About me

I have been dealing in antique tribal rugs and decorative carpets since 1979. I set up Samarkand Galleries in 1989 dealing nationally and internationally from the Cotswolds and Edinburgh. I sold the Cotswold premises some five years ago and wish to point out that the business now operating from these premises using a similar name to my former business name, has no connection with me. In June 2006, I closed down my Edinburgh gallery, returning to work from my Cotswold home as a dealer, consultant and lecturer. I continue to offer a select and exquisite inventory of antique rugs and dowry bags - mainly from the nomadic tribes and villages of Turkey, Persia, Afghanistan and Central Asia as well as large decorative carpets.

I lived and worked in Iran from 1972 to 1977, spending the best part of a year of this time with two tribal groups, the Afshar of Kerman and the Qashqa'i of Fars. I am one of few world dealers to have spent time "in the field", travelling extensively in Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey, and returning to Iran in recent years, travelling and collecting amongst the Bakhtiyari, Qashqa'i and Shahsavan tribes.

I have been a lecturer on Eastern carpets for NADFAS (National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies) since 1986. In 1990, I was elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society for my work amongst the Persian tribes. My book 'TribalRugs - Treasures of the Black Tent' was published in 1997 and acclaimed as "one of the finest books written on tribal rugs" (Ghereh International Carpet & Textile Review). As at the present time, 'Tribal Rugs' has gone out of print but a re-print is scheduled for the first half of 2009. I am currently working on two further books on tribal weaving.

I actively travel throughout the UK and source rugs and carpets for clients throughout the world. I am continually 'finding' good antique stock and what is illustrated on this website is by no means, my entire inventory. Therefore, if you are looking for something specific, please don't hesitate to e-mail your requirements and I will get straight back to you with photos or ideas.