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WILLIAMSBURG® announces rug licensing agreement with Capel Inc.

Colonial Williamsburg is pleased to announce that it has licensed Capel Inc., America’s largest manufacturer and importer of area rugs, to produce a new line of interpretive rugs for the WILLIAMSBURG products program. The collection, which was introduced in the Capel showrooms at the New York Textile Show Oct. 11-18, will be shown at the High Point International Home Furnishings Market in October.

Inspired by Colonial Williamsburg’s extensive collections of antique textiles, the initial introduction will include a selection of handmade and machine-woven rugs that range in style from traditional to modern. Several designs will coordinate with existing WILLIAMSBURG fabric and bedding products. Many of the styles will be available as early as January 2003. Prices will range from $150-$500. The new line includes:

  • Blue Resist and Folk Floral. These traditional tufted rugs are constructed from 100 percent New Zealand wool and will be available in five sizes.
  • Penney Penney. One of two rug designs in felt, the construction and design of Penney Penney echoes the 19th-century tradition of piecing together felt to make rugs. The design will be available in two sizes.
  • Windowpane, American Spirit and Check Plaid. These traditional flatwoven rugs reflect the colorful spirit of traditional checks and stripes found in 18th-century textiles. Designed to coordinate with the WILLIAMSBURG American Spirit fabric collection, these rugs will be available in seven sizes.
  • Troy Stripe. This lively striped flatwoven rug is a 25 percent wool blend. Its design reflects the simple, yet beautiful 18th-century textile designs once found in many Williamsburg homes.
  • Garden Images. Capel has designed two styles of rugs—cotton chenille and wool tape braided rugs—to coordinate with the colors of the perennial favorites from the WILLIAMSBURG Pure Simple Today, the Images of Nature collection from Waverly.
  • Doormats. Recalling traditional WILLIAMSBURG designs and themes, these 2-feet by 3-feet doormats feature Ship, Delft Tiles, Fisherman Toile, Blue Resist and Compass Rose motifs.

    “Capel’s tradition of excellence and authentic craftsmanship makes them a natural choice for the WILLIAMSBURG program,” said Gail Burger, Colonial Williamsburg’s director of licensing for textiles and decorative accessories. “Their versatility and capabilities in rug design are wonderful advantages for our customers. Many of the designs we have developed coordinate with our most popular and successful WILLIAMSBURG fabrics and bedding.”

    Headquartered in Troy, N.C., Capel is responsible for its own spinning, dyeing, weaving, braiding, sewing and selling in the United States and overseas. After more than 80 years, the company manufactures 100 different rug styles that can be seen in five showrooms across the country. Capel markets its products in all 50 states, Canada, Australia, Japan and several European countries.

    Media Contact:
    Penna Rogers
    (757) 220-7121



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