apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I know the blanket design is beautiful but I'm a ambivilant about this idea... Mao purses. Kissinger posters. HBC trade blanket furniture. What's next? Pol Pot on tea towels? I know it's important to remember our history, but I wouldn't be comfortable in a home with any of those items.

HBC blankets are so much a part of Canada and I guess I don't see the political connection to the same degree as scarletdog's other examples. I love the small ottoman and I love that you are posting about lots of Canadian things - thanks Regina.

Just looking at them makes me itch.

I think these are charming. And HBC blankets were _always_ products (iconic products, but still products), so these pieces are just taking design from one product and placing it onto another - very different from a Mao purse.

small pox

Love it!!!

I've seen these at the Bay in Toronto and Canadian designer Brian Gluckstein has used the iconic "point" pattern in at least one memorable magazine spread (can't find the link). I think any version of the pattern just speaks of winter. Love, love, love the large white and black ottoman.

Glad to see Canadian reference on here!

The black and white version looks a bit 'skunk-y'.

i agree with scarletdog and jennifersos. nice product to those who aren't well-versed in canadian history; research a little and you will find hbc fur trade era rather disturbing.

OK, I learned something. I've been looking for a throw that goes with my Navajo rug, and have been yearning for a Hudson Bay blanket throw, as it would be ideal in terms of colors. I hadn't seen a HBC throw up until now.

I've heard of the scandal of the British military officer giving small pox infected blankets to native people. I didn't know that they were Hudson Bay blankets.

Having this put together for me makes me think twice before buying a Hudson Bay blanket. I don't think I could live with it now.

Ironically enough, I bought a Hudson Bay blanket years ago, and used it as a bed cover in a bedroom. The only other decoration was the Navajo rug. Very simple but very striking. I was married then. I lost the blanket in the divorce split. My former husband simply took it and never offered to return it. It's still with him after all these years. Okay, you ask, where is the irony? His family was from Wisconsin and his father was part Menominee. I didn't know the link between Hudson Bay blankets and the small pox epidemic, and I'm sure he doesn't either. If he ever figured it out, that blanket would be out the window.