Tania's Story
The company is owned by London based textile designer, Tania Johnson. Tania graduated from London’s Royal College of Art with an MA in woven textiles and, following a couple of years working at a weaving mill in Switzerland, moved to New York which was to become her home for the next 12 years. She was a textile designer for Calvin Klein Home for several years and designed the brands’ first rug collection in 2002 which further developed her passion for innovative rug design.
After having her first child, Tania swapped full-time work for freelance textile consultancy, working with a number of high end brands in New York. Her dream during this period was to start her own business allowing her to create a beautiful product in an ethical way that would benefit the communities involved in the production. Tania strongly believes that educating children, and empowering women, are both critical to achieving a more stable balance in our world and if she could use her passion and skill for designing to help achieve this in any small way, that at least is a start.
Knowing that she wanted to produce exceptionally high quality rugs, and to be sure that they were made in a socially responsible manner, she contacted a number of factories in Nepal that were GoodWeave certified. Having had samples produced in one of her most intricate designs, Tania headed off to Nepal to meet with these factories and, based on both their ability to successfully weave her difficult design as well as demonstrating an ethical approach that was aligned with her own ideals, she chose a manufacturer that she has worked with solely since.
Tania launched her debut collection of hand knotted rugs in New York under her own label, Tania Johnson Design, in May 2010 before returning to the UK in 2011.
After having her first child, Tania swapped full-time work for freelance textile consultancy, working with a number of high end brands in New York. Her dream during this period was to start her own business allowing her to create a beautiful product in an ethical way that would benefit the communities involved in the production. Tania strongly believes that educating children, and empowering women, are both critical to achieving a more stable balance in our world and if she could use her passion and skill for designing to help achieve this in any small way, that at least is a start.
Knowing that she wanted to produce exceptionally high quality rugs, and to be sure that they were made in a socially responsible manner, she contacted a number of factories in Nepal that were GoodWeave certified. Having had samples produced in one of her most intricate designs, Tania headed off to Nepal to meet with these factories and, based on both their ability to successfully weave her difficult design as well as demonstrating an ethical approach that was aligned with her own ideals, she chose a manufacturer that she has worked with solely since.
Tania launched her debut collection of hand knotted rugs in New York under her own label, Tania Johnson Design, in May 2010 before returning to the UK in 2011.
Tania specialises in translating her textural photographs into unique and timeless rugs that are intricately hand knotted in wool and silk. Every design starts with a moment that inspires her - the way light creates shadows and reflections and the microscopic details found in nature. Each luxurious rug is made to order and Tania personally works on every design and weaving graph herself to ensure each one, regardless of size or colour, is an individual piece of art.
Tania has been a member of GoodWeave, and a strong supporter of their work, since forming her business.
Designed with integrity from beginning to end, each Tania Johnson rug conveys a unique connection between inspiration, design, tradition and skill.
Tania has been a member of GoodWeave, and a strong supporter of their work, since forming her business.
Designed with integrity from beginning to end, each Tania Johnson rug conveys a unique connection between inspiration, design, tradition and skill.