Hooked Rug Storytelling: The Art of Heather Ritchie

With 370 detailed photos and insightful text, readers are introduced to the internationally renowned hooked rug artist, Heather Ritchie, and her creations. Bringing her unique style to this traditional craft, this book explains how she created each rug and provides valuable insights into her techniques. Heather has transformed a basic handicraft into an art form of great subtlety. Stories told in this book relate to over twenty of Heather's favorite "memory rugs" that reflect her experience in intimate style. These include anecdotes about "Guiding Light," which tells how she, at five years old, would walk with her newly-blind father, helping him learn to navigate his home town; "Paradise Garden," based on the last photo of her mother; and "Origins and Identity," with details of Heather's work in The Gambia teaching blind people to make rugs. This is an inspirational book for anyone entranced by the rug hooker's art.

Lesley Mary Close is a friend of the artist, Heather Ritchie. She lives in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, England.