This first quilt is one of the highlights of the exhibition even though it is one of the simplest. It was made by Girl Guides in Changi prisoner of war camp in Singapore during World War 2.
You can read more about it here
If you click on the photo to get a close up you will be able to see some of the girls names embroidered onto the patches and the Girl Guide logo.You can read more about it here
On loan for the very first time from the National Gallery of Australia,the Rajah quilt was made in 1841 by women convicts aboard the HMS Rajah as they were being transported to Van Diemen's Land (present day Tasmania). The women used sewing provisions donated by Elizabeth Fry's social reform initiative to create what is now the only transportation quilt in a national collection, never before shown outside Australia.
The quilt is in a glass case so difficult to photograph. The centre panel is broderie perse and the rest is made up of hand piecing and applique. From what I have heard this quilt is not even on regular display in Australia so this is an excellent opportunity to see it.
4 comments:
I love theRajah quilt... what amazing history, your so lucky to have seen them up close and personal!!
Take care
Jude
I love the photos here. I went myself on Friday and will be back with BQSG group April 13th. Did you need to get permission to take photos or was it OK?
Mary
I have my ticket to the show, and you've really whetted my appetite for it! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to see these treasures, before they're put back in their boxes for another 100 or so years!
That is unreal.. Loved seeing it
Maggey
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