Quilts 1700-1945
The Rajah quilt. 1841. Collection of the National Gallery of Australia. Gift of Les Hollings and the Australian Textiles Fund 1989.
Maker unknown, Britain. Coverlet 1803-05. Given by Gertrude S. Ferraby.
Maker unknown, Britain. Cover or hanging 1875-85. Given by R. Wood.
In collaboration with London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, Quilts 1700-1945 explores more than 200 years of British patchwork and quilt-making. The exhibition relates to historical and cultural references that challenge the assumption that stitching is simply ‘women’s work’ – every quilt has a hidden history: an unspoken story which is concealed within its layers.
This exhibition will comprise objects drawn from the textile collection of the V&A, with additions from some of the UK’s regional museums and private collections. The exhibition also includes one of the world’s most well known textiles, theRajah Quilt 1841, from the National Gallery of Australia, sewn by convict women during transportation to Van Diemen’s Land.
