We are very sad to announce the death of Peter Linden on 28th July 2024. Here are some words remembering him by his friend and colleague, LIz Mansergh.

Back in 1980, when Peter Linden started trading, there was no tradition of rug–collecting in Ireland.  There was little knowledge about oriental rugs and carpets. Today, things are utterly different. Per created a market where there had been none and he aroused a new respect and enthusiasm for the colour and excitement rugs could bring. Nearly all the best rugs and valuable weavings in Ireland today have been brought here by Per.

Oriental rugs had been an enthusiasm for him since childhood but getting a gallery and a business going took more than just enthusiasm. Per had determination, an eye for a special rug, and he made discerning use of business contacts. He had artistic flair and the right tactful charm - and could do financial caution. Crucially he managed to develop and maintain a market and educate us all.  He was a gifted teacher and became a popular lecturer.  He was always exciting and amusing to listen to and was much sought after. He created the demand that the business needed and taught people how to pick winners. The new gallery he had built on Georges Avenue, with his own design ideas, must have been one of the pleasantest places in Dublin to work. It was a beautiful building, full of the finest rugs, light and bright and colourful. Per always filled the space with music – Vangelis, Eric Clapton, Miles Davis – some more gratefully received than others but that is just down to the shortcomings of his staff. There was always amazing coffee (long before coffee became every street corner’s in-thing) and often chocolate to go with it.

Per and Celine were very sociable. Customers became friends and friends were often much-valued customers.  He was adamant too, that Peter Linden’s was a gallery – not just a shop. People were welcome to call in and enjoy, whether they came with intent to buy or not. (Though it has to be said, a purchase usually did follow a visit sooner or later.)  He also had a phenomenal memory for names and faces and who had bought which rug.

Sometimes though, we, his staff, would wonder about the humour. There was a time when fur-moth were tiresome visitors; one enraged him by sitting nonchalantly on top of a mothball. Cheek and defiance! They had to be got rid of. Per suggested, with his great love of reptiles, that resident geckos, or other such, possibly snakier, on duty amongst the rugs, might be the answer. Rising alarm in one, at least, of his staff,– only to be calmed down by the confidence that Celine’s wisdom would always carry the day.

So, Per was full of ideas – the gallery was never dull. He had plans for exhibitions, demonstrations and promotions, a visit to the Dobag project in Turkey and visits by Dudu, Dobag weaver, to Blackrock. The stand for the annual Antiques Fair used to be a big undertaking for him and he designed the layout meticulously. In the early years, before ‘Fine Art’ and living artists found their way to the Round Room and then the RDS, Peter Linden brought the only colour, with grace and pzazz, to the Fair against a background of very brown furniture.

Further afield than Dublin and Ireland, Per was a much-appreciated businessman. The Oriental rug trade is notoriously difficult and not all operators are trustworthy. Per’s judgement, dependability and loyalty were valued and his custom was rewarded – he was always offered the best and he brought us back the best.

He leaves a big void in Ireland, Sweden and in London, and he will be so much missed. We had good times and we all have to thank Celine so much for bringing him over here all those years ago.

So, Per, it is not just ‘thank you for the music’, but thank you for the kindness, humour and friendship, the colour and the beauty. We promise to look after the fine rugs you brought us and we will remember you.

The business has now ceased trading. For repairs, please contact Liz Mansergh at +353-86-8175431 If you wish to have your rugs cleaned in the Dublin area, please contact Aqua-Dry on +353 1 840 0799