A Worthy Carpet For A Worshipful Company

Delivering on-time and within budget, Wilton Carpets designed a bespoke axminster carpet that draws upon the heritage of the guild and that uses its coat of arms as a central design cue. Working closely with The Tallow Chandlers, design manager Julie Robertson captured the heritage of the Livery Company; achieving a design that complemented the relatively unchanged Grade I listed building’s interior while also providing a pleasant uplift within the heavily panelled hall and stairways.

“The carpet has had a really positive impact with both our members and long-standing users commenting on how it has uplifted the ambience of the hall, creating a more inviting atmosphere”, enthuses Brigadier Roy Wilde CBE, Clerk of The Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers.

Installed by flooring contractor Spratlings Ltd over an area of 173m2 covering the entrance and six flights of stairs, the 80/20 woven axminster carpet uses a heavy yarn count that provides long-term appearance retention for these demanding locations.

“Working with Julie Robertson, we were able to plan the design to perfection enabling accurate positioning of key elements such as the coat of arms while minimising seams and wastage,” comments Bill Hawkins, Carpet Manager, Spratlings Ltd. “Being this involved at the early stage, combined with Julie’s understanding, helped us to install the carpet without difficulty and it was a pleasure to play a part in one of the City of London’s oldest interiors.”

The Tallow Chandlers’ Hall was built in 1672 after the destruction of the original hall in the Great Fire of London and is one of the few livery halls to remain unchanged since the 17th Century. Through private function rooms, the building now helps The Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers to support healthcare and educational charities through donations.

“From the moment we submitted the coat of arms to Julie Robertson for her inspiration, I was delighted with the whole process and in my nine years as Clerk of Tallow Chandlers it is rare to find a project that ran so smoothly and that makes such a difference,” continues Brigadier Roy Wilde.

“Julie’s designs immediately struck a chord, generating ideas that we simply wouldn’t have thought of while still remaining sympathetic to the interior. The samples of our two shortlisted designs also really helped committee members to visualise how the carpet would look before making their final decision, alone proving a great aid in the process. Once our verdict was made, every aspect ran incredibly smoothly and the carpet was installed on time and within budget. I would have no hesitation in recommending Wilton Carpets to any other livery company looking for outstanding service and a carpet that has a positive influence on the interior.”