This was my favourite quilt in the exhibition. It is an unfinished quilt top made by Elizabeth Hardy in England before she came to Australia in the 1830s.
I love this quilt, not only because of the fabrics, but also the workmanship.
Here is a close up of the centre medallion and some of the borders. That narrow pink border is not a print, they are a narrow strips of fabric, perfectly pieced!
The broderie perse is chintz, still with the glaze. Below are a couple more photos of the borders in this quilt. Some of the fabrics are hand painted!
Lots of great fabrics in this quilt!!!
Here is the centre of another quilt using lots of broderie perse...
The maker of this quilt is unknown. The fabrics span 1815 to the 1840s.
I love the quirky blue and gold border on this coverlet...
This coverlet was made by Elizabeth Smith. It was probably started in the 1830s, when Elizabeth still lived in England and completed in the 1850s after Elizabeth arrived in Melbourne.
I took a couple of photos of part of the Rajah Quilt.
That delicate appliqued border is amazing!!
The Rajah Quilt was sewn by convict women who sailed Australia aboard the Rajah in 1841. These women had been taught patchwork while in Prison in London. This is the only known example of a convict quilt made on a voyage to the colony.
Just a few more photos of parts of quilts.Unfortunately I didn't get details of these.
A hexagon quilt, shown under glass. The papers are still in all the hexies. Some are printed, some have hand writing on them. The hexies have been joined with tiny whip stitch.
I really love the fabrics in these old quilts!!!
I wish I had taken a photo of the original Auntie Green! She was breathtaking!!
There are 88 works in the exhibition, ranging from large pieced and appliqued quilts, to simple waggas, patchworked clothing and hand embroidered pieces.
The Australian Quilt Exhibition is at NGV (Ian Potter Centre) until November 16. Well worth a visit...or two!
