Vintage 1930s Hooked Rug by Georges Edouard Tremblay Quebec, Folk Art Tapestry

This is a wonderful vintage hooked rug made by celebrated Quebec artist Georges Edouard Tremblay. The rug depicts a Quebec winter farm scene complete with cabins, work horses, a tree and background scenery. The bottom right is signed “GET” in light blue, incorporated into the weave of the rug, a little difficult to see from the front, but clearly visible on the back (see close-up photo). This is a large example with a wide black border that is backed with its original burlap. The burlap is stamped with the Georges Edouard Tremblay Pointe au Pic stamp (a little blurry) and the model number 118. The 1930s records of models were lost in a fire, so designs are only known through found surviving examples. This example could be one that was lost and is unknown - at least, I could not find a similar piece.

Georges-Edouard Tremblay (1902-1987) was born in Baie St Paul, Charlevoix, Quebec and demonstrated an artistic ability at a young age. At the age of 20, he met his wife, who had a small business making hooked rugs. He began to suggest and design various motifs and scenes from the Charlevoix region to incorporate into the rug designs, transforming them from hooked rugs into folk art tapestries. In 1931, he set up a workshop to produce his decorative tapestries, employing five technicians to help him to execute his designs. In 1932, he moved to Pointe aux Pics, and opened up a workshop and eventually a school. His business continued to grow and was very successful with his examples popular with tourists, but also appreciated by Canadian institutions as examples of Canadian folk art - his works hang in large hotels, major museums, the Governor General of Canada’s residence, the Prime Minister of Canada’s residence. In 1952 he was awarded the “Grand Prix d’Artisanat de la Province” (First Prize for Artisan of Quebec).

This piece measures 36” by 29” and is in very good condition with the exception of one pulled thread to the back, fairly minor and most likely could be put back by someone who hooks rugs. In addition, the rug has taken on a yellowish patina, which is a sign of age. The colours are brighter on the back and I do believe that this was kept on the floor rather than having been hung. A professional cleaning would most likely eliminate the yellowing and bring back the original colours, but this is a matter of preference - some people might prefer to keep the patina as is. The piece still displays very well.

This is a desirable piece of Quebec folk art - perfect Quebec scene that would make a fabulous display piece in a country decor..