Hooked rug for staircase in two sections

NameHooked rug for staircase in two sections

Artist Evangeline (Eva) Coombs Coates (1891 - 1976)

CultureAmerican

Dateca. 1935

Place madeBerkeley, California, United States, North America

Mediumrecycled wool, burlap (bast fiber, e.g., jute or hemp)

DimensionsA.2022.59.1a
30 × 136 1/2 × 1 in.
A.2022.59.1b
180 x 30 x 1 in.

Credit LineGift from the twelve grandchildren of Eva and Barrett Coates.

Object numberA.2022.59.1ab

Collections

New Acquisitions: The Gift of Folk Art

ProvenanceDonor inherited this hooked rug (in two sections) custom-made by his grandmother Evangeline (Eva) Coombs Coates (1891-1976} in the 1930s for the staircase in her home at 1007 Cragmont Avenue, Berkeley, california. While selling the house to settle. Ms. Coates' estate, the descendants removed the rug for preservation.

DescriptionTwo part stair rug with 15 life scenes and different types of flowers between the scenes (overall dark purple-blue color with red flower border design). A) Includes steps #1-6, Scene of graduation, Engagement, Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, their pet cat. B) Includes steps # 7-15, Berkley home, birth of children, San Franscisco office, pet dog, first car, visit to Olymics, Chicago world fair and the family home. (see attached file for more detail.)
This rug is an excellent example of women's autobiographical life review and storytelling in folk art. Created in the mid-1930s, each step represents a milestone in the artist's family arranged in chronological order ascending the staircase. It was created in two long sections to accommodate a staircase with a quarter landing. This donation also comes with unusually strong provenance. Ms. Coates's grandchildren have provided detailed explanations for the design of each step, family photographs, and personal memories (See file). Rug was hand cleaned by collections staff and volunteers (and frozen)