Art Deco-era rug designer Walter Nichols continues to inspire today
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A century might separate their work, but there was an instant connection when Wendy first discovered American rug designer Walter Nichols.
With a passion for vivid colour and traditional motifs, Nichols reimagined Chinese rug design in the 1920s and went on to be a major influence during the Art Deco period.
‘I literally stumbled across Walter Nichols during an internet search. When I came across his beautiful rugs, I couldn’t believe my eyes,’ Wendy says. ‘The colours drew me first, along with the pictorial nature of the designs. I could see so many similarities in what inspired us both, especially with his use of traditional Chinese motifs.’
Walter Nichols’ story
Born in New York City around 1885, Nichols began his career as a wool grader in China in 1920. As his confidence grew, Nichols began to explore the idea of using Chinese rug-making techniques in designs specifically for a Western audience.
In 1924, he established Nichols Super Yarn and Carpets, merging traditional Chinese motifs with Art Deco style. His designs introduced bold geometric shapes and bright colours, which captured the spirit of the glamorous mood sweeping Europe and America.
Two beautiful rug designs by Walter Nichols
Nichols also introduced a new production method that resulted in much heavier, more luxurious rugs with a unique carved effect in high-quality wool and silk. Nichols’ designs showed images from nature, including trees, clouds, mountains, plants and birds, as well as traditional Chinese motifs, all in rich jewel tones that brought a new energy to his rugs.
Surprising discovery
I was so surprised to come across a designer who seemed to share so many of my inspirations; his work became an inspiration for me,’ Wendy says. ‘At the time of his popularity, the Art Deco movement was flourishing – there was a real appetite for colour and glamour. He recognised that Europe and the US were looking for something new, which is what he gave them, without losing the authenticity at the heart of Chinese rug making.
‘I still find his work inspiring. I love that we share so many similarities in our designs. Both inspired by Chinese motifs and their use in storytelling, along with intense colour. I think, had he been around today, we would have had a lot to talk about.’
Finding inspiration
The inspiration and connection with Nichols’ work can be seen in several of Wendy’s designs, ranging from some of the oldest to the newest rugs in our collection. Bold, exuberant Peace, Love & Joy, with her rich crimson wool base, and bouquet of red, white, pink, green and gold blooms, gives a nod to the vivid colours Nichols introduced.
The equally bold Good Fortune teams dynamic red and warming gold, with hints of pink. The dragon was a popular motif for Nichols, and here gold-etched dragons symbolise power, strength and good luck.
Chinese philosophy and symbolism continue to inspire with Eternity Light and Eternity Dark, which are full of motifs for a long and happy life. A vibrant combination of pink, gold, aqua, purple and green evokes Nichols’ love of vivid shades.
Exploring the intricate connections between nature and humankind, Cranes in Trees features wild cranes, which represent happiness, good fortune and a long life, soaring above lavish pine trees, which symbolise resilience.
Bold and elegant designs
Neutral design Phoenix Moon reflects Nichols’ love of luxury. The effortlessly elegant pared-back palette of gold and pink, with lilac highlights, set against a warm white wool base allows beautiful motifs to stand out and share their message of hope, strength and renewal. Mandela Moon also focuses on bold motifs set against gentle colours for maximum impact.
Another design full of grace and elegance, Peacock Tree shares a story of growth and rejuvenation. The stunning pattern on the peacocks’ tail feathers brings to mind Nichols’ passion for geometric shape.
The effect of nature and tradition
Traditional motifs and natural elements featured in many of Nichols’ designs and Chinese Garden of Virtue is inspired by Far Eastern symbolism and nature. Muted tones combine with bold images, including plum blossom, orchids, bamboo, chrysanthemums, a beautiful peacock and soaring crane, sharing the story of a long and happy life.
Kujaku hand-knotted rug and runner are inspired by Nichols’ bold, colourful style. The rich purple backdrop speaks to his love of jewel tones and the glamour that ran through his designs. Wendy’s passion for colour and love of the natural world, with the central peacock surrounded by beautiful blooms, are obvious here.
One of our newest rugs, and the first in our four-part Moondance collection, Moondance Nature features a dramatic grounding black border, which makes her a bold neutral that is incredibly easy to place.
Part II in the collection, recently launched Moondance Life Force, was inspired by the colourful work of Nichols. Her message is a powerful one of the beauty and restorative powers of nature using vivid colour and strong imagery.
A passion for colour and bold design, a love of pattern, beautiful materials and craftsmanship, and rugs that exude luxury, sophistication and glamour are the link between two uniquely different designers – even when one hundred years separates them.
