Remembering Roger Oates and Peter Lynas

Roger Oates, co-founder of the eponymous flooring company, and Peter Lynas, Lanarkshire flooring retailer have died.

Oates died on 30 August at Gloucester Royal Hospital. He is survived by his wife and Roger Oates Design co-founder, Fay Morgan Oates and their son Daniel. A private family cremation on 22 September was followed by a service of thanksgiving the next day. Donations can be made to the British Heart Foundation.

‘He has left behind many examples of his creative talents as lasting memorials,’ says a statement.

The couple met at the Royal College of Art and began designing and working together, and in 1977 founded the partnership Morgan & Oates, designing rugs, throws and scarves.

In the late 1980s, the owners of a large country residence approached them with an historic flatwoven fragment they had discovered hidden under the floorboards. These types of coverings, common in the 18th century, were usually plain in colour and void of pattern. This unique piece, worn and heavily faded, revealed vibrant colour choice and deliberate pattern design. Instantly inspired, the couple began a journey that would see them develop Venetian Flatweave into the highly distinctive decorative floorcovering it is today.

The company became best known for stair runners. In later years the brand expanded into rugs, furnishings and furniture. In 2016, Roger Oates Design was acquired by Ulster Carpets.

The funeral of Peter Lynas will take place on 10 October. The Lanarkshire flooring retailer and Metro board member died on 22 September.

His body will be taken to St Marys Church, Cadzow Street, Hamilton at 6.15pm on 9 October. The funeral mass will begin at 10am on 10 October. He will be laid to rest afterwards at Bent Cemetery, Hamilton.

Lynas saw the Hamilton retailer, founded in 1826, join the Metro buying group in 1985 and spent many years as a board member supporting independent retailers within the group. He also spent many years working on behalf of the Carpet Foundation, again supporting fellow independent retailers.

‘I first met him nearly 20 years ago in my early days at Brintons. Despite me not allowing him to have a Brintons account he was always very welcoming and friendly when we met. I have had the great fortune and pleasure to have spent much time with him during my 11 years at Metro,’ says Steve Depport, Metro Group operations manager.

‘Peter was one of the great characters in the carpet trade and overall a really great person. Everyone at Cormar Carpets sends his family our condolences,’ says Carl Quall, Cormar Carpet Company regional sales manager.