PERSIAN CARPET As a zoologist, Doug Lay landed a position with a mammal collection expedition to Iran in 1962. Over the next 14 years, he returned to Iran 18 times and developed an interest and knowledge of oriental rugs. In 1976, Doug and his wife, Nelda, opened The Persian Carpet, which became nationally recognized for its collection of Persian rugs. As the oriental rug market grew over the next 40 years, The Persian Carpet began directly importing handmade rugs from a growing number of countries, in an everincreasing range of styles. They also started their own lines of specialty designs that they produce and wholesale across the country. Today, Doug and Nelda’s daughter, Cynthia McLaren, continues in her parents’ footsteps bringing beautiful oriental rugs into Durham homes.
919-489-8362 | 5634 CHAPEL HILL BOULEVARD, DURHAM | PERSIANCARPET.COM