Seven-Parish Rug

The rug covering the entire floor of the Rector’s office was donated by women from the municipalities of Kokemäki, Tyrvää, Huittinen, Harjavalta, Nakkila and Punkalaidun on 16 November 1922. Eric O. W. Ehrström had designed the rug free of charge. According to the deed of donation, the rug was woven by Mrs Maria Hill in Merikarvia, the seventh parish.

The rug’s centre piece is adorned with rows of the winged torch motif, the University’s symbol designed by Ehrström, alternating with rows depicting the monogram in the Turku coat of arms. The detachable frame consists of a geometric motif that is both unique and typical of Ehrström’s personal decorative style based on stylised organic forms.

The central motif is circled by the text: T.S.Y. 1922 RYIJYN LAHJOITTIVAT KOKEMÄEN, TYRVÄÄN, PUNKALAITUMEN, HUITTISTEN, HARJAVALLAN JA NAKKILAN NAISET JA ERIC O. W. EHRSTRÖM JOKA SEN SOMMITTELI (“THIS RUG WAS DONATED BY WOMEN FROM KOKEMÄKI, TYRVÄÄ, PUNKALAIDUN, HUITTINEN, HARJAVALTA AND NAKKILA AND ERIC O. W. EHRSTRÖM, WHO DESIGNED IT”)

Eric “Bucklan” O. W. Ehrström (1881–1934) studied briefly at the Drawing School of the Finnish Art Society (1899) and was a private student of Akseli Gallen-Kallela in Ruovesi (1899–1900), where he familiarised himself primarily with graphic arts, soon orientating towards industrial art. He later travelled to Paris and Vienna to continue his studies. In addition to creating his own diverse body of work and being an entrepreneur in industrial art, he taught at the Central School of Applied Arts and worked as a conservator at the Finnish Art Society. A long-term partner of architect Armas Lindgren, Ehrström collaborated with him in the committee established by artists and architects to embellish the premises of the Finnish University of Turku. In addition to the winged torch emblem and the floor rug, he designed the University’s flag, the Rector’s gown, and light fixtures for the Rector’s office.

Tutta Palin 2024