Carpet manufacturer gets starring role (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Carpet manufacturer gets starring role

7:40am Tuesday 4th December 2012 in Local

THE set of Steven Spielberg’s latest film Lincoln features a 19th century replica carpet made by a small Kidderminster manufacturer.

The Grosvenor Wilton Company was commissioned by the film-makers to make a replica of the 19th century design carpet it made for the real Lincoln Bedroom in the White House, in Washington DC.

The weaving company, which was formed in 2005, used a loom which is nearly 100 years old to make the White House carpet and the one seen in the film.

Lincoln, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, tells the story of the president during the American Civil War and his bid to free the slaves.

Paul Foley, company secretary, said: “It’s pretty special and unique. We’ve made carpets for stage shows that go all over the world but this is our first film.”

The wilton weaving process used by the company ensures the carpets are of good quality due to their layered form.

Grosvenor Wilton can trace connections to the original Grosvenor business which was founded in 1790 and the historic site of the firm is now home to the recently-opened Kidderminster Carpet Museum.

The company, which employs 18 people, supplies wilton carpets to restoration, historic and interior designer markets worldwide.

They have recently worked on carpets for the new Charles Dickens Museum in London, Buckingham Palace, Lancaster House, Balmoral, Government House, in Melbourne and the stage set of Mary Poppins in New York.