Voysey probably intended the rug – with an unusual aerial view of a rural landscape – to be used in his family home, perhaps by his children.
Woven by Wilton, it was shown at the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society in 1903 and was described as a ‘hearthrug’ and titled The River Mat in the catalogue. One of two known versions entered the V&A collection in lieu of tax in 2014.
This 21 x 10in (52 x 25cm) ‘Sun Printed’ design (a printed base which Voysey then hand coloured) is thought to date from 1925.
In its original frame, it included a number of exhibition labels such as one dated 1934 and inscribed This is the property of CF Annesley Voysey, Designed and Drawn by him, 73 St James St. Frame.
It was given by the architect-designer to George Nelson Haden, the chairman of Hadens of Trowbridge, who worked with him on a number of projects. It came for sale by family descent.
The estimate at the April 13 auction was £3000-5000.
