The Hooker's Art: Evolving Designs in Hooked Rugs

An exploration of the rich history of rug hooking, with technical descriptions, biographies of rug hooking "greats," and lavish photographs. 

Humble origins have not confined hooked rugs to simple dwellings. As the popularity of the craft grew and the appeal of the hooked rug became apparent, it traveled uptown to cushion the footsteps of the rich and famous. An international craft, rug hooking has become a full-fledged art form through the dedication, creativity, inspiration, and diligence of its devotees. In this book, Jessie Turbayne takes readers on a whirlwind visual tour of the craft’s history, significance, and development over time.

The book includes:

• Biographies of respected rug hookers   
• Over 300 lavish photographs of hooked rugs—some from the nation’s most elegant homes, some with fascinating histories, some old, and some new
• Descriptions of technical details and common materials used over the years

Fiber artists, history enthusiasts, and dedicated rug hookers will come away with a newfound appreciation for this craft, plus inspiration to enrich their own art practice.  

Jessie A. Turbayne, of Westwood, Massachusetts, is an enthusiastic collector and professional restorer for most of the major hooked rug collections, museums and dealers internationally. She will continue to inform and inspire the field with her book.