Mon 11th March: Node Fair Trade Rugs

NODE: fair trade rugs from chris haughton on Vimeo.

Here are photos to introduce you to an incredible project and prompt you to head over to the official site to see more magnificent imagery to get the full picture of how beautiful and epic it is.  Node Fair Trade Rugs connect a worldwide network of designers and artists with traditional Nepalese carpet makers to create beautiful handmade rugs.  The latest series exhibited at The Design Museum and now stocked at the shop include illustrators and graphic designers:  Beatrice Alemagna | Sanna Annukka | Lesley Barnes | Petra Borner | Chamo | Benji Davies | Chris Haughton | Clayton Junior | Jon Klassen | Micah Lidberg | Joe Magee | Geoff McFetridge | Neasden Control Centre | Patternity | Serge Seidlitz | Marcroy Smith | Kevin Waldron | Donna Wilson

These top snaps are from the private view and the second set are from Donna Wilson illustrating the Nepalese employees who are taught both literacy & skills, in addition to receiving fair wages for their work.  This Fair Trade scheme supports a school of 260 children and an orphanage of nineteen which is outlined in the video clip.  Donna says:

"I was delighted to be asked by the fantastic Chris Haughton to contribute a design to his Rug project Node.  Node was set up as a non-profit social business. They make high quality hand-made hand knotted, fair trade carpets and will be for sale in the Design museum as part of Fair Trade Fortnight. You might recognize Chris Haughton, as he is an illustrator and author of wonderful collection of children's books..."

I absolutely love them all and wish I could have one for my house - the vivid colours and graphic shapes are right up my street!  Shop all 18 designs here and follow the Facebook page for extensive reportage here.