Workshop

Our small craft workshop allows us to be intimately involved in the creation of our rugs. From the initial approach right through to the final despatch of the rug to its new home, the whole process takes place under one roof.

The Dilana collection of rugs are developed from designs commissioned from established career artists, including painters, printmakers, ceramic artists, sculptors and installation artists. Others are commissioned by architects, interior designers or private individuals who wish to use the talent and experience of the workshop to realise their own design concepts.

The Dilana workshop was established by Hugh Bannerman in Christchurch in 1981. At first the focus was on developing technical rug making skills and establishing a supply of materials from the local Romney wool industry. By 1983 Dilana had consolidated its crafting methods down to just one rug type and quality. From this technical basis, a strikingly diverse rug collection with an international following has evolved.

Collaboration between artist and rugmaker is the key focus of the workshop. This unique environment, with artists and makers working together to produce finished work of the highest design integrity, sets the Dilana workshop apart from all others. The quality of the collection is a testament to this.

“It is not enough for the artist to simply convert a painting or sculptural idea into a carpet… a profoundly different approach is called for… The carpet will present problems and challenges of its own. It is for the artist to find these and to reveal a personal response to the possibilities of the decorative.”

Don Peebles, Artist