"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 Sleighride
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. Pictured at Right Claire Murray 9x12 Thar She Blows!
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.