Vesuvius is undoubtedly one of our favourite in-house designs, it has been a popular choice with many of our clients since its first edition back in the 1990’s.

We have made this simple and beautiful rug in many different colours and shades since then. 

Its first inception came about as a result of a large commission which demanded the dying and blending of a subtle gradient of shades in a single hue.

This concept was taken in its most simplistic form to a circular rug and then, when combined with a circular tufting motion our Vesuvius rugs were born. 

A little on the inspiration behind this Ceadogán classic.

Mount Vesuvius is situated in the gulf of Naples in Italy. It has been a source of inspiration for artists musicians and writers from all over the world for many centuries.

Even though Vesuvius is currently in a state of repose it is still active and is considered Italy’s most dangerous volcano.

It is perhaps best known for the eruption of 79AD. A catastrophic event that destroyed the roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum burying them in a 4-6 meter blanket of volcanic ash.

Legends say that this was the wrath of the gods who were infuriated by the immoral conduct of the inhabitants of the cities.

 This Legend, born of the ancient belief that natural disasters are sent by the gods to punish us when the human and divine worlds diverge  may indeed have a message which we might do well to pay attention to today!

Perhaps pressures are building beneath the surface as paths once more diverge, and we disconnect from the divinity of our natural worlds. Our presence has certainly fallen out of balance with those ways that root us in our place, with how we find ourselves in this world.

Mount Vesuvius may well have simply been a weak point in the earths crust where pressures that built up beneath the surface could be released or come to a head. Or it may be a site where the gods communed with humans, where messages are channelled between worlds. It may even simply boil down to perception. 

In a world where new discoveries in quantum science eerily reflect the magical realms of myth and legend its probably safe to say you can take your pick!

Regardless of which way you choose to see it we can make our Vesuvius rugs in any shade or colour you like. We can scale to suit your needs as a rug or wall hanging. We make them all here in our workshop in the south east of Wexford using 100% natural materials and pure wool. We like to keep one in our showroom and you can usually see one here if you visit.