Back in 1990 when Christopher and Suzanne Sharp were contemplating a life as proprietors of the chicest Hotel in the Tuscan countryside, bad weather, a broken boiler, and dodgy estate agents sent them packing south to Malta to seek refuge with Suzanne’s family.
They stayed on the island for seven years, expanded their family and set up a shop selling oriental rugs. Eventually they sold up and moved to London in 1997 to establish The Rug Company, with their unique idea of bringing together the ancient craft of rug making with innovative contemporary design.
14 years and 18 shops later, the Sharps have returned to Suzanne’s homeland to open The Rug Company’s long-awaited showroom in Malta.
Christopher and Suzanne Sharp are photographed by a magazine, intrigued by the company’s Maltese heritage.
Though busy setting up the shop, they managed to fit in some time to wander the old streets of Malta.
That Tuscan hotel would have undoubtedly been exquisite, but we have Malta to thank for twisting fate.
The Rug Company
Area F
Blue Harbour Business Centre
Ta’ Xbiex
Malta
3 Comments
Liz Ayling on November 7, 2011
Welcome back! The showroom is a superb space. I can sense that Suzanne and Christopher will fast become 'cultural ambassadors' and an inspiration to Malta's up-and-coming creative talent. There is no doubt that the islands are taking the potential of a creative economy seriously, and seeing a flourishing of artists, photographers, graphic designers, fashion designers and more. The Rug Company founding duo show that a world brand can be conceived of in Malta; with hard work, the determination to do things differently, look beyond the shoreline and see things through. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of you in Malta than the retail space hints at! It was a pleasure to interview you for Maltainsideout.com. Keep us posted on your Malta news.
robert rickard on March 9, 2012
I have a rug purchased back in the 90's .the date on the rug is 1990 and the rug is titled Margene Louise. This is 6' x 9' and is a raised golf course design. I am tryingto find if this came from your company. The tag has Imported by The Rug Comany with Pleasanton CA as an address. Please let me know if you have any info on this as we have used it as as tapestry for over 20 years
Agatha Romeo on August 19, 2012
I have a handmade, 100% wool, 4x6 rug with a train border. The tag says 1983 Margene Louise from The Rug Company with an address of Pleasanton, CA. It is worn and I would like to replace it. Can you possibly help me with any information? Thank you.
Leave a Comment