Hooked Rug c. 1936

Elizabeth Valentine made this hooked rug, we're not sure exactly when, but what a thing of beauty it is. Imagine her, choosing each strand, pulling it through, building up this little world of colour and texture. You can almost feel the loops of yarn under your fingers, right? The way the roses burst out from the pale green background is so great. I really love the border, with its swirling shapes. The pinky-red against the darker green gives it a real pop. It's a lovely design. I wonder what Valentine was thinking as she worked on this? Was she remembering a garden from her past? Maybe a gift of flowers she received? Whatever it was, she was creating a little piece of joy, something to brighten up a room and maybe, someone's day. And maybe, just maybe, it was also a conversation with other rug-makers, a sharing of ideas and techniques across time.