Fur Rug Hanging

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LaFontsee

LaFontsee

MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Joined
Sep 2, 2009
Posts
605
Loc
Grand Rapids, MI
Hello all,
We just had a large fur rug come into the shop that the client would like to be able to hang on the wall without framing. They are aware of the dangers of bugs and pollutants. They had previously used it as a rug, but would like to be able to hang it on the wall.
The rug measures 103" x 69" and is made of many diamond shaped pieces of tanned hide patched together. They would like it to hang horizontally. They had previously hung it with nails through the edges, but the nails tore out. The hide is not strong enough to support the weight of itself hanging on nails. My thought is to attach a pocket to the back that we could use a rod to hang it from. I'm not sure how to attach that pocket. Sewing doesn't seem like a good idea. How would you hang this?
As always, I rally appreciate the advice that framers share here. Thanks in advance!
James
 

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Sub it out to an upholstery business. One that works on leather furniture would be the best bet.
 
Mr. Rodier is on the right track -but I'd send it to a good furrier. If there's not a local one, there will be several to choose from in Chicago.
 
I've hung many like pieces with carpet tack strips. Attach them to the wall at intervals of maybe a foot apart, depending on the weight of the rug, with the tack direction up. Lift the rug up, position and you are done.

I know it sounds too easy, but it works.
 
Dave said:
I've hung many like pieces with carpet tack strips. Attach them to the wall at intervals of maybe a foot apart, depending on the weight of the rug, with the tack direction up...
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Looking at the photos, the back appears to be the leather. I'm not comfortable with the idea of carpet tack strips poking holes in that.
 
Pat Murphey said:
Looking at the photos, the back appears to be the leather. I'm not comfortable with the idea of carpet tack strips poking holes in that.
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They were happy with nails around the perimiter.

This doesn't sound like an archival presentation... it's not even being encased.
 
Yeah, The back is just pieced together leather. There is nothing covering the back. Tack strips wouldn't be appropriate in this case. I will keep the tack strip idea in my tool kit for future cloth rugs that are not too important. My sister is learning taxidermy from her mother in law. I'll ask her this weekend if she's got an good ideas.
James
 
I'd back the whole thing with canvas,or similar(lots of work, fabric edges would be rolled under and the perimeter stitched) then have a full length rod pocket, or a "flap" along the entire top side with evenly spaced grommets. Course that is pretty involved and invasive. It would support the sucker nicely though.Taxidermy rug mounts are fabric backed all the time. L
 
The problem is to provide overall support, since it can not support its own weight. A furrier or conservator could attach a supportive backing to minimize stress on the leather patches and the stitches that connect them. The backing would have to be attached in many places across the whole area, and stitching it only around the perimeter would probably not be adequate.
 
Maybe this is not a customer who is willing to go that far/spend much money on it. (the drive a nail through it kinda gives it away....)

How about some sort of stretcher frame? With supports running across and maybe just staple the rug to that? Sure, invasive, but I am not sure if the customer want preservation techniques or just a way to put this on the wall as home decor. (I am inclined to think that as there will be nothing to protect this)

Will probably hold up better than the nails.....and you can attach it where ever you do cross bars. To give it added strength, maybe put canvas behind it and sew the perimeter and a little across (yeah..it will sag at some time though)
 
...or you could glue a single piece of leather on the back with an extra amount past the edges which could then be stapled to a stretcher frame that is smaller than the over all size of the piece. This will make it look like it is floating on the wall.
 
framah said:
...or you could glue a single piece of leather on the back with an extra amount past the edges which could then be stapled to a stretcher frame that is smaller than the over all size of the piece. This will make it look like it is floating on the wall.
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Any thoughts on what would be an appropriate glue to attach to hide like this? I kinda like this idea.

James
 
Lafontsee said:
Any thoughts on what would be an appropriate glue to attach to hide like this? I kinda like this idea.

James
Click to expand...

I bet your sisters MIL would know. It should be a glue that doesn't get rock hard when it dries.
 
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