20th Century Blue and White Floral Swans Rug by Reginald Toms, 1920s

Important carpet produced in the Real Manifattura of Madrid (Real Fabrica De Alfombras), coming from the famous Toms collection. Reginald Toms (1892-1978) made his fortune in the real estate sector, first in London and then in South Africa. In 1958, with his wife Mary (1901-1993), he retired to the castle of Coinsins, on the shores of Lake Geneva, and filled him with works of art, including a collection of over 100 European tapestries. The collection was left in inheritance by Mrs Toms to the Canton of Vaud, which in 2000 gave birth to the Fondation Toms, with the proceeds from the sale of the furnishings and the castle of Coinsins. This rug was definitely made on commission, as shown by the monogram “BS” in the central medallion. The design is inspired by the French motifs of the early Empire with two large swans, which transform the Classic star shaped imperial motif into floral scrolls at the four corners.”