In the early seventies, Tulga Tollu, an architect
and Feodora Tollu, a translator, left their chosen professions
in order to devote themselves to the production of modern carpets.
This extraordinary decision was followed by years of intensive
study of the art of carpet-making and gave birth to a new generation
of carpets.
Tollu Carpets are produced
in four villages around Bergama near Turkey’s
west-coast. Around 200 women work at home on a contract basis
which provides them a good and secure income while allowing
them the time to raise their children and do their field work.
The carpets give a profound feeling of peace
and timeless beauty and in fact many of Tollu’s earliest creations
have been in production for over 20 years. We can explain this
aura in two ways: on one hand there is the creative know-how
and confidence with which Feodora and Tulga Tollu combine traditional
and widely accepted design principles with modern elements.
Most of Tollu Carpets have a symmetrical pattern and a border,
and are composed through and through on the basis of a numerical
order. From this point of view they correspond to the basic
pattern of oriental carpets which has remained unchanged for
the last 3000 years.
The principle of "horror vacui" (the
avoidance of empty space in design) is not applied in Tollu
Carpets.Their minimalistic ornamentation within large areas
of mono-chromatic space respond to the need of modern people
of simplicity and clarity.
But the fact that these empty spaces are being
perceived as an ocean of color rather than a desert is due to
the legendary natural dies of Tulga Tollu. The material quality
of these carpets is the second reason behind their indescribable
power of attraction. Wool coming from high pastures and spun
by hand gives flexibility to the overall picture and avoids
the stiffness found in so many other carpets. The side borders
provide a soft crossover to the floor and create an effect of
relief and plasticity.
Since these carpets are created as object of
home furnishing the height of the pile is measured to ensure
a pleasant sensation while walking or sitting on them, but allows
also their use under a dining table. The carpets are entirely
flat, do not get fluffy contrary to other carpets and their
maintenance is very easy due to the excellent dirt-repelling
quality of the wool.
Feodora and Tulga Tollu’s Carpets are outstanding
from every point of view:
work ethics, ecology, aesthetics and quality. The only shortcoming
to be pointed out would be the limited number of carpets produced
every year, a limitation which is necessary to keep the high
quality ensured and has nothing to do with the strategic limitations
for marketing purposes which nowadays seem to be so popular
elsewhere.
For more information on Tollu Carpets, please inquire at sales1@kilim.com
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