"I traded skyscrapers for rose-covered cottages, the Empire State Building for Sankaty Light, and an island surrounded by bridges for an island accessible by boat or small plane. While much of my work today takes me back to New York, Nantucket is where it all began..."
As soon as the ferry pulls away people begin to wave.   And wave they do until the tiny harbor is only a distant hint of colors.   The journey itself is a destination where you’ll watch for fishing boats and lobster traps. Adventure fills your soul and anticipation begins to swell.
It was these waters in days of old where Nantucket whalers’ boats were tossed about during the capture.   Such a scene would later become the inspiration for Claire Murray’s whimsical Nantucket Sleigh Ride rug, the namesake of this ancient spectacle so engrained in Nantucket’s history. Pictured at left, Nantucket Sleigh Ride
Today at Nantucket Whaling Museum tribute is paid to this awesome history. Upon entry stands a magnificent forty-six foot skeleton of a sperm whale that washed ashore on New Year’s Day in 1998.   Nantucket history is as much a part of Claire Murray as she is of its lifestyle. Here in this museum is her new Nantucket Whale 9x12 hand hooked rug. Thar She Blows! Pictured at Right Claire Murray 7x9 Whales
The island comes into view and beholds the quaintest little cottage precariously perched on pilings over the water.   Peru, as it stands today, was rebuilt after The Perfect Storm of 1991 and most recently the 1,100-square-foot cottage has been renovated in keeping with its heritage and is home to Claire Murray rugs throughout.
At the entrance of the harbor Brant Point lighthouse majestically stands guard.   Although no longer in service the original structure built in 1746 was the second lighthouse built in America. For centuries it guided Nantucket’s whaling ships to safety.   This impressive historical image has inspired many of Claire’s designs. Pictured at right Mermaid
“For me, so many years ago, Nantucket’s welcome was all it promised to be. At my first glimpse of the island flowers and picket fences with mounds of blue hydrangea, charm-filled cottages with weathered shingles and climbing roses rising up into the cornflower blue skies, my life was changed forever.” Says Claire Murray. Please visit Claire's flagship store at 11 South Water Street Phone: (508) 228-1913 Hours of Operation: Daily, 10am - 9pm
From the moment you step onto her cobblestone streets you can feel the magic of this place.   Nantucket is not simply a destination…. it’s a lifestyle.