Ides of March & Donegal Carpets

The first Irish carpet weaving workshop was established in Donegal County under the direction of Scottish textiles manufacturer Alexander Morton and Company in 1898. The history of these rugs was influenced by English textile designer, William Morris who applied Art Nouveau as well as Arts and Crafts design aesthetics. Implementing traditional Celtic designs from history and folklore.

During this time entrepreneur & furniture designer, Gustav Stickley, owned and collected many of these Donegal carpets. In 1906 Stickley curated an exhibit Grafton Gallery, London. This exhibit marked the beginning of the official launch of the Irish Donegal rug production.

Three of the four facilities closed during the Great Depression leaving the last facility to close in 1987. However local Donegal people petitioned the government and the mills were reopened between 1997 and 1999. They are currently producing carpets today.