A stunning heavy Antique Welsh Narrow Loom Blanket (Carthen), wool, charcoal, cream, and red yarns.

Provenance: originally purchased from Athene.

Condition: general moderate fading & minor snags as expected.

Dimensions:
180 x 213cm

Information:
Welsh narrow loom blankets were the earliest form of Welsh blankets, woven on narrow, single looms, typically in two strips, and then hand-stitched together, often with a distinctive seam down the middle, a practice continuing into the 20th century before wider looms became common. These pre-1900 blankets featured stripes and plaids, using local wool, serving as vital items for Welsh households, and are now collectible for their rich history, craftsmanship, and connection to Welsh heritage, with patterns like the Caernarfon pattern emerging from this tradition. 
History
* Construction: Woven on narrow looms, creating two separate fabric lengths that were sewn together, often by children, to form a larger blanket.
* Origins: Weaving was a significant Welsh industry from the 12th century, central to rural life, with narrow looms being the norm before the 20th century.
* Materials: Made from locally sourced wool, often bartered with sheep farmers, creating a self-sufficient local industry.
* Designs: Early narrow loom blankets were typically striped, with bolder plaids and more colors appearing later, especially in the 20th century.
* Double Weave: The introduction of wider looms and double-weave techniques (like the intricate Caernarfon pattern) around 1900 allowed for broader, reversible blankets, though narrow loom production continued. 

Cultural Significance
* Identity: Blankets symbolized Welsh identity, heritage, and domestic life, often given as wedding gifts.
* Revival: After nearly vanishing due to competition, the industry has seen a revival, with traditional designs and methods appreciated today for their beauty and historical value.