Inspired by the harsh yet beautiful African landscape, the Legends of Carpets collection from Walter Knoll is a designer’s dream.

From the bright greens of the forests to the deep reds of the savannah and the lush blues of the wide-open sky, the colours of Africa truly run the gamut of the rainbow. The newly unveiled Legends of Carpets collection from Walter Knoll draws its strength from the creativity of the continent that materialises into timeless, woven works of art. Developed in collaboration with fabric designer Helmut Scheufele, the Legends of Carpets range takes the boldness of the continent and transforms it into a collection of suitably bold, yet beautiful carpets.

The inspiration for the range began with a trip. Markus Benz, together with artist and fabric designer Scheufele, embarked on a journey to Marrakesh that marked the inception of the Legends of Carpets collection. Meaningful impressions of people, landscapes and light breaking in the souks of the medina began to leave a mark – they came to life. After a different journey to Namibia and Botswana, the leitmotif of the carpet collection was clear: the landscapes and colours of Africa.

On some models, the intense reds and blues are reminiscent of reflections in the sky at sunrise; on others, dark natural hues seem to highlight the sparse beauty of rock layers in the desert.

Hand-knotted in certified Nepalese workshops, the collection translates abstract painting into timeless, woven works of art. Wool from the Tibetan highlands, fine Chinese silk and nettle yarns all possess exceptional qualities that consequently characterise every product. In Nepal, Walter Knoll’s partner workshops have often been in the hands of the same families for generations. There, carpets are handcrafted using traditional Tibetan knotting methods under sustainable and socially responsible conditions. These artisans know carpet. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the fibres and threads involved, their diverse colours and hues, and the personal interpretation of each artisan, every rug is a littler different, being its own unique masterpiece. These objects are living proof that true values are wisely handed down from generation to generation.