A World of Color Unrolls in Tiverton This August

An antique rug does more than anchor a room. Its colors, knots, and patterns can preserve the story of a place, a maker, and a moment in history.

On August 4, internationally respected rug scholar and collector Peter Pap will visit the Tiverton Four Corners Arts Center for an illustrated look at textiles woven before 1900. His lecture, Understanding Antique Rugs, begins at 4pm inside the Meeting House and explores how geography, artistic traditions, natural dyes, and craftsmanship shaped some of the world’s most remarkable rugs.

Pap has spent more than 50 years studying, collecting, and writing about historic carpets and textiles. He also appeared for 16 seasons as a guest appraiser on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow, an experience that sharpened his ability to look beyond a rug’s decorative appeal and uncover the stories woven into it.

“Every great antique rug is both a work of art and the autobiography of its weaver,” says Pap. “The finest examples reward a lifetime of looking because they reveal history, culture, and extraordinary artistic expression in every knot.”

The lecture will also examine the changing language used to describe historic rugs. Museums, scholars, and collectors increasingly favor geographically specific terms over the once-common phrase “Oriental rug,” recognizing the distinct cultures and weaving traditions behind each piece.

After the lecture, a reception from 5:30-7:30 PM will give guests the first look at the Arts Center’s inaugural Antique Rug Trunk Show. The sale opens to the public August 5-7, with daily hours from 9-11 AM and 4-7 PM. Pap will present a curated selection of rugs chosen for their artistry, historical significance, and exceptional condition.

For prospective collectors, the process comes with a rare bit of flexibility. Guests can take rugs home on approval, giving them time to see how a piece settles into a room before making a final decision. Pap will also offer private appraisals and in-home consultations by appointment.

The event arrives as Pap continues making the case for richer, more individual interiors. His recent essay, “The Great Beigeing of Decor,” explores the growing preference for neutral spaces and argues that color, craftsmanship, and personality still have plenty of staying power at home. Ten percent of rug-sale proceeds will benefit the Four Corners Arts Center and help support its year-round arts and cultural programming. Reservations are required and can be made by emailing inquiries@peterpap.com.