ONCE there was an art college graduate who could not get a job because of the sealed brown envelope he had to present at interviews.

Finally, a carpet company design head told him :''Do you know this is the worst reference I have ever read!''

And then:''Don't worry lad. We'll sort you out. Start on Monday.''

The boss turned out to be tough, not kindly. But he was true to his word. By the age of 28 Graham Darby was design boss at CMC Carpet Manufacturing Company, Kidderminster, for about 18 years.

He has remained in Kidderminster ever since as one of the top carpet designers in the country, now heading the department at Tomkinsons Carpets, which has won a trail of awards for innovative work.

He admits he did not take life very seriously when at college in Stourbridge.

He remembers fondly the pub across the road where students could buy a half-size glass of cider and a Woodbine and match.

He calls himself a designer, not an artist, and he worked hard at his talent because art was the only thing his clever older brother could not do. Although he says he got his first job because of the life drawings in his folio, his talent in design was clear from the start. The old days were more sociable when there were as many as 20 working in a carpet design department and everyone met over a pint to exchange ideas.

Mr Darby now works in a department of two and the computer does the rest and relieves them of all the tedious side of the work.

Keeping right up to date involves trips to haute couture shows in London which he says are important because they tell you what colours and textures are in fashion and especially what will appeal to women.

Women are important as customers in his view because they are the decision makers in the home when it comes to furnishings.

Mr Darby lives in Abberley with his wife Sue of 29 years. He says: ''I have moved further and further out into the country in my life. When I am not achieving I like to be away from people.''

He likes to walk his dog and as a hobby makes ''fireside companions'' using wildlife designs which his wife sells at craft markets.

He also plays tennis but is beginning to feel golf ''beckoning''. That is not so surprising since one of his two grown up sons is making his name as a professional golfer.

He sees the present age as the most exciting time for carpet manufacturers because of the new possibilities in home decorating. For him there is no place he would rather be than with the team in a company striving to meet the challenge.