Some know Aldo Rossi (1931-1997) for his Pritzker Prize-winning architecture, like the San Cataldo Cemetery in Modena and the Centro Torri Commercial Centre in Parma; some for his masterful hand drawings; and others simply as one of last century's greatest Italian architects, who founded the neo-rationalist movement. Few though, would associate Rossi with carpet design; yet the Milanese architect and theorist has much more than architecture projects to show in his impressive portfolio.Specialist antique dealers Arto and Eddy Keshishian, in association with James Bly, launch today an exhibition of Rossi's carpet designs. The 15 pieces on show were created in 1986, when Rossi was invited to design a series of traditionally woven carpets by the Zeddiani Company, inspired by Sardinian techniques and culture. The architect embraced the local, basic and schematic carpet craftsmanship tradition, which fitted perfectly with his own geometric design explorations, aiming to boost the island's textile industry.The beautiful pieces are on show in a selling exhibition in London's Kashishian Gallery till the 24th November, along with one each by the designers Piero Lissoni, Ettore Sottsass and Jasper Morrison, and five by Patricia Urquiola, all measuring 2m by 3m.
