“This carpet was designed by Wellington artist Kate Wells and made by Dilana Rugs of Christchurch from one hundred percent New Zealand wool. The carpet was made by hand in two pieces. An adapted shearing tool was used to weave the wool back and forwards through the rug. Scenes of Wellington Harbour and the sea are depicted in the carpet. The colour of the sea changes as you ‘swim’ through the carpet. The purple outlines are ships entering the harbour and on the shore are several lighthouses.

“The words ‘Te Kaunihera o Pōneke’ (Māori for Wellington City Council) and the Roman numerals MCMXC11 (1992) are woven along one side of the carpet. The Latin motto “suprema a situ” (supreme by position) is taken from the city’s coat of arms. The artist has located the motto in a prime position immediately outside the Mayor’s Office. The ‘W’ (for Wellington) when entering the Mayoral Suite appears as an ‘M’ (for Mayor) when departing.“Commissioned by the Council in late 1991, the carpet was installed just prior to the opening of the International Festival of the Arts in 1992.”

Source: WCC City Art Collection

This work has been in storage since approximately 2013, due to renovation work being carried out on the Town Hall.

See also:

• Wellington rug (WCC City Art Collection website)