A replica of the original Persian carpet in the Highclere library commissioned by the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. This replica carpet is signed on the reverse by the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Note that the original carpet, not the replica, was used in the filming of the series.
120 x 96 in. (305 x 244 cm.)

All proceeds raised from this auction will be donated to various armed forces charities which support both veterans and victims of war, including The Royal British Legion, Oxfam, ABF – The Soldier’s Charity, Blue Star Families, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families.

Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.

Conditions of Sale
FAQs
This lot is offered by Christie Manson & Woods Ltd

Brought to you by

Lot Essay

With over 5,650 books, the earliest dating from the 16th century, Highclere's wonderful double library provides a fascinating insight in to daily life at the castle and has been used as a rich backdrop to several important scenes in Downton Abbey. During the late Victorian period, it was used by the 4th Earl of Carnarvon as a "withdrawing" room. The Earl was an active Tory in Parliament and a member of Disraeli's Cabinet in the 1860's and 1870's. In this library, he could discuss politics with friends or retire in peace. The red ground of the library’s carpet is of a rich madder, made using natural colours and dyes. Its design was developed during the reign of Shah Abbas I (1571-1629). King Abbas set up royal rug factories across Iran appointing the city of Isfahan as the capital. The carpet from the library at Highclere was made by 18th-century weavers from the city of Kashan.