How I started

Before

After

I have been in the rug restoration business since 1976, when I met my first instructor Karl Kovarik. He kindly took me on as an apprentice needing very little persuation on my part. I loved the work; immediately enjoying working with my hands, and having the time to really do the job well. In the first two years I also had the opportunity to travel in Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and India to spend time in the countries where the rugs originated as well as see modern production.

After serving my apprenticeship I moved to London and set myself up in business on my own, working for the well known dealers in a very exciting time for antique rugs. They were also very demanding customers as many of them had started in the business as restorers, so I learnt a great deal more. Since then I have worked for a wide range of clients, collectors, enthusiasts, museums and large Institutions as well as ordinary people with a rug that needs attention.

Meeting your needs
Through my broad experience I am able to meet almost any need for the care and attention of rugs including cleaning and stain removal; re-piling and re-weaving, holes, tears, worn areas, frayed edges; valuations, identification and cataloging collections; all types of insurance work; searching for and sourcing replacements and additions to collections.

Do you know my work already?
My work regularly appears in various publications. Following is a small selection of the rugs I have on, ranging from the sublime (15 -16th Century Anatolian pieces) to modern Iranian rugs:

John Thompson, Carpet Magic
p68 Yuruk Eastern Turkey
p102 Khotan

David Black and Clive Loveless, Woven Gardens
Plates 1,11,15.

Hali Vol 5 No 4 page 502
Hali 62 p92 Early Village Rug
Hali 100 p 162

Eberhart Herrman Kaukasische Teppichkuntst
Plate 22

Where
I am based in Tharston, Norfolk and make regular trips through the county, as well as Lincolnshire the whole of East Anglia and London every two weeks. I also visit other areas on occasion and my couriers can pick up anywhere in great Britain. I need to speak with you regarding foreign work.

What to do

Before

After

If you think I may be able to help you the best move is to telephone me (01953 606977) and in the conversation we will be able to arrive at the next step, which could include meeting at my workshop or at your home, or you may send some photographs or arrange for my carriers to pick the rug up. Before I commence work I will make a detailed estimate of the cost. If there are any changes I will let you know before carrying it out.

All the work is carried out on my own premises, either by myself or under my close supervision to ensure top quality results.

Materials
I use superior quality materials as close to the original as possible. Most of the wool used has been dyed in my own workshop for close colour matching. All the cleaning is done by hand, and the proceedures are adjusted to suit the rug.

Costs
These figures are to give you a rough guide as rugs are so variable that it is impossible to give firm estimates without seeing them face to face.

Cleaning averages between £12-16 per metre square, with a minimum charge of £40 per rug.

Securing an end of a rug 1 1/2 metres wide would be £30-60.

Re-weaving a hole 40 cms square would be £40-120 depending on the weave.

Written valuations 1% of value with a minimum of £25

Payment: Full payment is expected on completion of the work. For large projects payments may be in parts by prior arrangement.

References available on request.

Contact details
Harlequin Thunderstrand
5 Lancaster Road
London N4 4PJ

Mobile: 0787 981 0997

email: walter@thunderstrand.com

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