We have had the pleasure to work with Gavin Chilcott for many years and have seen his work evolve and transform. One thing all his artworks have in common is that they are always interesting and full of meaning. Gavin takes us on a trip around the world with this rug called “Venezia”.

The center piece of the rug is a reference to the measuring stick of a famous architect from the 16th century, Andrea Palladio. Andrea Palladio was obsessed with the perfect proportions and according to the Renaissance architect a building should mirror the proportions of the human body; as man is the image of God and the proportions of his body are produced by divine will. His builders did not use measuring tapes, but a stick 5 feet and 4 inches long.

The lush patterns on the edges of the rug are an oriental influence. Gavin found inspiration in his collection of vintage hand printing blocks. These wooden blocks were used to print patterns on fabric and we think the patterns translate extremely well to this delicate hand-knotted medium.

The eye-catchers of the “Venezia” rug are the Cornucopia (or Horn of Plenty) that sit on a backdrop of twisting vines. They represent bountifulness and endless nourishment. They probably remind you of Greek and Roman deities associated with the harvest, prosperity, spiritual abundance and luck. This powerful symbol invites good energy into any space.

Gavin knows exactly how to tie all these elements of the composition together. He does it with style and ease adding floral and contrasting cubic elements.
This rug is a one-off and can be admired in our Christchurch gallery