Ian Bennett is respected world-wide as an authority on Oriental and Persian carpets and is considered as one of the most important writers, editors, and authors in the field. A former consultant to Sotheby's and editor of the specialist Oriental rug magazine "Hali", he is the author of several books on the subject, including "Book of Oriental Carpets and Rugs, Oriental Rugs, Vol I: Caucasian", and "Rugs and Carpets of the World".Born in Iran to a family with a long history of dealing in Persian carpets, perhaps it was inevitable that Essie Sakhai should become a respected expert on Oriental and Persian carpets, gaining much of his great knowledge from his father Benayahoo Sakhai.Essie lives in North London, though he spends most of his time at Essie Carpets on the corner of Albemarle Street and Piccadilly in London's Mayfair, carrying on the family tradition started in the 18th century.Essie is a true enthusiast and hopes through his extensive lectures, interviews and writing to share his knowledge and passion for carpets with a wider audience.