The Awards judging panel was drawn from industry experts in design and wool yarn and production to editors working on leading interior consumer titles that bring the message of quality and interior design to the forefront every day. JUDGES COMMENTS John Bain - Creative Director and former Global Design Director for Brintons Carpets Ltd ‘It is always exciting to review new innovative wool based products. There were many examples of design and colour excellence married to experimentation with yarn or manufacturing technology from hand made to machine made, across all areas of the value matrix. Entries explored new concepts in product structure and design aesthetics across a variety of manufacturing methods.  Many entries featured the use of  'undyed' natural wool across a variety of neutral tones e.g. Ulster's "Natural Choice" pattern and plain co-ordinates,  Axminster's 'Royal Borough Wilton,' combining different yarn weights giving a textured dimension with subtle undyed colour combinations or, Alternative Floorings "Wool Crafty Hound" demonstrating a new take on the classic Houndstooth using 'undyed' wool in a flatweave. There was an interesting use of Space Dye "felted wool" from M.I.D. which gave a multi colour dimension on a felted yarn to great effect. Across all the entries there was a variety of style from the classic tailored and structured style of the flatweave Wiltons as seen from Roger Oates and Alternative Flooring through woven Axminster, Wilton and Tufted products to the more random free style expressionism seen in the rug collections For true differentiation, I see the rug section as being more open to experimentation and innovation where designers can be free from traditional manufacturing constraints allowing more creativity with multiple materials, yarn counts and constructions. Some entrants had created true innovations by exploring new processes altogether such Studio Briedits & Evans "Confetti" rug described as a "multi coloured pattern made from felted woollen sweaters stitched in layers." In terms of pure aesthetics I felt that the rug designs of Ptolemy Mann were a beautiful combination of Hand Dyed softly grading hues from light tones to more saturated colours created a wonderful painterly effect on the floor which stood out as truly differentiated.’ Malcolm Sims, International Textile Consultant ‘The level of creativity and innovation demonstrated in this wool carpet competition was truly exceptional. It is very clear to me how diversified the styling of wool carpets has become with exciting use of traditional and modern equipment and technologies. The competition really shows the wool industry at its best. With examples of clever design, stunning combinations of colour, unique textures and technically challenging structures that are a great credit to our industry. It has highlighted in the best of ways the strengths of wool as a fibre and the exciting level of creativity that exists in the manufacturing industry.’ Tim Booth, Marketing Manager, British Wool Marketing Board ‘British Wool was looking for a carpet range that encompassed the values of 'planet-friendly’ whilst representing the ethos of British grown wool from British sheep breeds as a great choice to meet natural sustainability and environmental credibility in carpet.  Brockway’s ‘Rare Breeds’ Collection met those aspirations perfectly, using 100% wool from British rare sheep breeds, using no dyes whatsoever and with an enviro-bac backing, it presented a perfect package.  We felt that it was a worthy winner and a stylish one too.  We congratulate the Brockway team on their success.’   Rhoda Parry - Editor, Country Homes & Interiors ‘Country Homes & Interiors is all about living in - and loving - today's country home so it was a privilege to be invited to sponsor the Country Homes & Interiors category for use of pattern and texture in the modern country home. From designers and crafters to manufacturers, we are passionate about supporting UK country-based businesses and it is a pleasure to support this Campaign for Wool/British Wool initiative. Our winner ticks all the boxes for everything that Country Homes & Interiors is passionate about: heritage design with a modern edge; a timeless palette of country-inspired colours; and crafted by an artisan business based in the countryside. Benbecula by Anta Scotland is the deserving winner.’ Samantha Scott-Jeffries - Editor, Homes & Antiques Honiton by Fleetwood Fox Ltd ‘At Homes & Antiques we were won over by a design that we felt would fit into any period property whilst retaining a fresh, contemporary look. We prized this product for its quality, matched with an appropriate price point and felt our readers would appreciate that it is made in Somerset using traditional weaving methods. It was refreshing to see these traditional values married with an on-trend geometric design.’  Giles Kime - Executive Editor, Homes & Gardens 'The winners of these awards don't just demonstrate why a high proportion of wool is a key ingredient in good quality carpets and rugs but also the extraordinary breadth and depth of creative and technical skill both in the UK and beyond. Anyone worried that the carpet is a triumph of cost cutting over quality, will be very cheered by this.' International Wool Carpet & Rug Awards 2016