Studio Knot x Whitworth Locke

Studio Knot is a Manchester based bespoke rug studio setting new standards within rug design and production. Everything they create comes from a purely bespoke design, colour and material process for private and commercial projects around the world. As a studio they only ever use 100% sustainable yarn taken from materials such as, recycled plastic, hemp and sustainably farmed wool.

The Studio wanted to highlighted the importance of Islington Mill, an ever-evolving creative space, arts hub and community which was also Studio Knots first creative home and one of the original independent creative spaces in Manchester. The mill has recently acquired much needed National Lottery funding to repair and transform the old Victorian Mill structure after years of uncertainty. This exciting funding will not only repair the roof but will also completely transform the whole collection of buildings that make up Islington Mill. Allowing the space to continue, evolve and for the community to grow.

Studio Knot collaborated with artist and Islington Mill Director Maurice Carlin to create a piece of rug art which took inspiration from his ‘Temporary Custodian’s’ work. A collection of unique relief prints taken from the original mill flooring on the abandoned 5th floor of the building. This series of prints was used to raise much needed funds to repair the roof of Islington Mill and gave autonomy to the owners or ‘Custodian’s’ of each print as having a say in the Mill as it once was, and a stake in the future of what the Mill could become. Studio Knot sought to further progress the idea by transforming this graphic art study into a unique and one-off piece of hand-knotted floor art.

The rug is ethically handwoven at Studio knot’s Indian partner mill and includes recycled silk taken from old saris which have been donated by the local community. This exquisite hand knotted rug will be on sale via on line auction with proceeds donated back to Goodweave.

Goodweave are a not for profit charity which has been working tirelessly for 25 years to end child labour within the carpet Industry. Studio Knot works closely with Goodweave to eradicate child labour and raise awareness of this as a global issue. All profits from the sale of this rug will be donated to Goodweave ensuring ethical production and support of the Goodweave programmes around the world.

Design-led aparthotels for those who want to experience the unique and authentic and find sanctuaries where free-thinkers belong. Designed for travellers for whom a bed and shower in a shoebox isn’t enough, Locke immerses you in its neighbourhood’s culture through spaces that connect you to a community of like-minded locals and travellers.