Hooked Rug c. 1940

Editor: We're looking at a hooked rug from around 1940, by Charlotte Angus. The fiber work has this beautiful array of figures, from horses and birds to trees and stars. It feels incredibly optimistic, a folksy celebration of life. What jumps out at you when you see it? Curator: I immediately sense a layered symbolism rooted in archetypal imagery. The horses, those archetypal symbols of power and freedom, positioned above the domestic birds—are they in dialogue? And consider the stars—are they emblems of aspiration or navigation? It's like Angus is constructing a symbolic ecosystem. Do you feel any tension between the domestic, grounded imagery and the aspirational celestial elements? Editor: That's an interesting idea. I was so caught up in the colourful cheerfulness that I didn’t really think of a tension, but I can see that contrast. Is the moon symbolic too? Curator: Ah, the moon! Its cycles have been linked to intuition and the subconscious across countless cultures. Its inclusion suggests perhaps an introspective element to temper the more overt imagery. How does it contribute to your evolving reading? Editor: That makes the rug feel more complex; like it’s not just celebrating joy, but maybe thinking about the cycles of life. The colors are all so vibrant, even with the more muted shades, but seeing these different planes of imagery feels incredibly interesting. Curator: Absolutely. This rug serves as a visual repository of symbols that resonate across both conscious and subconscious realms. What a delightful weaving! Editor: I agree! I learned so much. Thank you!