We send our fitters to Roger Oates Design for specialist training to fit their prestigious flatweave runners.
On arrival in Ledbury, we found the magnificently glass-faced showroom by entering Tinsmiths Alley on the High Street. It is not immediately visible, but after a short walk through the alley, you are met with this quirky building standing proud and inviting.
On entry, you view a colourful display of runners and products, which include travel bags, cushions, and Solidwool furniture.
We were met by
the company manager, Jane, and offered tea and coffee before she expertly told us the story behind the business.
the company manager, Jane, and offered tea and coffee before she expertly told us the story behind the business.
From here we ventured on to The Long Barn at Eastnor, a short drive from Ledbury, where founders Roger Oates and Fay Morgan began their business designing and weaving the now famous Roger Oates Design Runners.
We had a tour of the grounds, where the sewing rooms and storage facilities are off set from the expansive country house. All of the Mitres needed for orders are hand sewn here by expertly trained staff. Large rolls of stock are rolled out on to the large tables for inspection and every small defect such as ends out are hand stitched to perfection!
Once we had finished looking around at the work rooms and the house, which of course is fitted with the most glamourous of the runners, it was time for the fitters to take centre stage.
They spent the whole afternoon learning the detailed fitting techniques that only come with expert training from respected craftsmen who have been fitting for Roger Oates since they began in 1987.
Venetian Flatweave is an age old art of weaving that demands only the best of installations to do it the justice it deserves. We hope that our fitters now fit that criteria!