We all know it makes a great sweater, but wool is also one of the most stylish and versatile fibres you can use in the home. To raise awareness of this natural wonder-product, the Campaign for Wool has launched Wool House, a free exhibition that kicks off tomorrow at Somerset House.
The idea behind the campaign – which The Prince of Wales is backing – is to let people know that, when it comes to interiors, wool is about far more than tartan picnic blankets. In fact it works year-round, thanks to its natural ability to keep you cool in winter and warm in summer (did you know that sheep don’t have sweat glands? Their fleeces mean they don’t need them, apparently.)
Wool is durable – the carpets are an excellent choice for heavily trafficked areas, like hallways, as they’re so hardwearing. It’s also hypoallergenic, naturally fire retardant and gratifyingly easy to look after. The days of painstakingly handwashing wool pieces are over – these days it can usually be chucked in the machine and sometimes even tumble-dried. Its fibres have a protective layer that prevents them staining, and being static-resistant, it doesn’t easily pick up dust, either. And from an aesthetic point of view, it ticks the boxes as it holds dye so well, which means that you can find wool products in many vivid patterns and hues.