Images(4)

Hanging, Wall

Object number2018.102.1

Retailer Kaufmann's Department Store (1871 - 2005)

Made by Ruth Libengood

Datec. 1957

OriginPittsburgh, PA

MediumFabric; Yarn; Burlap; Ink

Credit LineGift of Marna Conrad

DescriptionRectangular multicolored hooked rug wall hanging. Brown burlap woven substrate with loops of polychrome yarn pulled through to form high pile street scene on front. Street scene depicts three buildings that appear to be mixed-use structures with business/storefronts on the first floor and residences on the second floor. Viewer's left building is red-orange brick with chandelier with red globe in single first floor window; two windows on the second floor with two flower pots with red flowers in the viewer's right window; and blue and white awning on the viewer's left side of the building. Middle building is light gray with grocery store on first floor with exterior table with stacked fruit under a yellow and green awning; top floor has two windows; roof has clothesline. Viewer's right building is dark red with palm trees in bottom single window with barbershop pole to the viewer's right; top floor has two windows with a black cat in the viewer's left window. Gray sidewalk and street surrounds buildings with, from viewer's left to right, red fire hydrant, utility pole, orange fruit, gray car, traffic signal, and green mailbox. Background has two bare trees, green hills, and blue sky with two white clouds. Brown burlap substrate forms perimeter of wall hanging; burlap is hemmed along all edges. Front design is visible on the reverse.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 38.375 x 63.5 x 0.75 in. (97.5 x 161.3 x 1.9 cm)
MarksReverse, along proper left side near top proper left corner has black printed text " "MAIN STREET USA" RUG No3656".
Historical NotesHooked wall rug bought by donor Marna Conrad's mother, Ruth Libengood, as a kit at Kaufmann’s in downtown Pittsburgh, c. 1957. Libengood enjoyed crafting and after she completed the hook rug it hung in the family home for many years.