For the past twenty-eight years Antoine Persian Carpet Restoration Studio has professionally and meticulously cared for hand-woven textiles. The studio has restored many important collections including those of the South African Cultural History Museum, Vergelegen, Nederburg, Rustenburg and Groote Schuur Estates.

Owner Pierre Antoine, a Belgian national, is regularly called upon for consultation by insurance companies, journalists, assessors, curators as well as Sotheby’s and Christie’s. The studio specialises in cleaning, washing, conservation and restoration of any hand-made Oriental and Persian rug and offers a free collection and delivery service as well as professional appraisals.

But the real stars are indeed our ladies. Expert hand-woven textile restorers (clockwise) Nadine de Langa, Verleste Biegnaar, Badrunesa Salie and Theresa Damon.