Article of the Week - number fifty-nine - A Feltex Rug

The 'Mount Egmont NZ' Rug was designed by Brendan Hartwell as part of the Riccarton Scenic Rugs range.

Produced between 1958 and 1966, the range is becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand amongst collectors; a similar example sold recently for NZ$ 12,000 (approximately £6,200). This example features Mount Taranaki, formerly known as Mount Egmont, with its distinctive shape made up of multiple volcanic eruptions. The rug features a pastoral scene of cows and sheep overlooked by a laughing sun with three Maori figures capturing it.

These rugs were made by Feltex, a company based in Riccarton. The company still produces carpets and rugs, although it does not appear that they work with artists any longer.  To see more of these rugs look at the National Museum Te Papa holdings here.