"Matting Season: Hooked Mats of the Grenfell Mission," an exhibition organized by The Canadian Museum for Textiles in Toronto, Ontario and guest curated by Paula Laverty, finished its two year travel schedule thoughout Canada in September 2003. This exhibition offered an in-depth look at the scope and variety of the flawlessly hooked mats produced for the Mission between roughly 1918 to 1950 and presented a vivid picture of the lives of the fishing families.

"Sealskin Drying" Silk or rayon stocking material and brin, dyed; Designer: Rhoda Dawson Design in production by 1930-1935 with more information

     Distinctively Northern images of polar bears on ice floes, dog teams pulling komatiks to medical emergencies, ducks and geese flying over treetops, sailing schooners plying the icy waters, quiet outport views, puffins, seagulls and whales, bold floral and geometric designs and people at work and play were all hooked using donated, worn silk and rayon stockings and underwear. The colours of the Northern lights: cool greens, warm yellows, bright crimsons, soft whites and pale mauves mix with the surprise of bright orange moons and add dimension and life to these scenes of the frozen North. "Matting Season" was borrowed from 35 lenders comprising private, corporate and public collections. The Canadian Museum for Textiles was the first Canadian museum to present a comprehensive exhibition of these mats.

"Circular Polar Bears" Silk and rayon material, dyed

Another exhibition in the northwestern United States is now being considered and, when confirmed, details will be posted on this website. For further information you may e-mail info@grenfellhookedmats.com.
        
                 
        

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 2003, Paula Laverty