An Olga Gray area rug is an understated, modestly priced rug that can be used almost anywhere. This isn’t a rug that will shout at you “Hey! I’m a seriously collectible rug!” the moment you walk into a room. In fact, if your grandmother had a rug that was worn to a soft, delicate gray with threads of color that is a very good description of an Olga Gray rug. It has a low pile, but one that is soft rather than harsh. Its design is soft pastels on an off-white background.
It exudes good taste but doesn’t bludgeon you over the head with it. The rug is named after a British spy who successfully became secretary to Harry Pollitt, the Secretary General of the Communist Party of Great Britain, as directed by MI5, the British espionage unit. The key to her success was to be efficient, quiet and essentially unnoticeable. She should not be confused with the silent film actress, Olga Grey. Olga Gray, sometimes referred to as “Miss X” was instrumental is apprehending several Soviet undercover agents who were operating in Britain.
Following their trial, “Miss X” was given severance pay of 500 pounds. She then relocated to Canada. Your rug isn’t likely to be locating spy rings, but it has that same understated, functional yet beautiful attribute that is exhibited by any well-trained, discreet secretary.
The Olga Gray area rug is lovely without drawing attention to itself. It gives comfort and elegance without ostentation or any flamboyance.
