Quilt No.1006JC - Josephine Curtis

Josephine Curtis
Owner: 
Josephine Curtis
Location: 
NSW Sydney
Maker
Maker: 
Valencia Venn
Made in
AUSTRALIA NSW
Date: 
1941 - 1970
Description: 
Taylor's sample quilt made from men's suit swatches, mainly greys and blues. Edging is 6cms wide, of blue flannelette. Padding is an old grey blanket, and the backing is of printed pattern corduroy. 1680 x 920 mm.
History: 

Quilt was made by Mrs Valencia Venn in Glenbrook, in 1960. It was then owned by Mrs M Rowe (born Curtis), and is now owned by Mrs Josephine Curtis, daughter of the maker.

Story: 

"The quilt shown in the enclosed photograph was originally made by my mother Mrs Valencia Venn (born 1892 died 1985) from the material pieces of men's suit swatches in 1960. The swatches came from her nephew's menswear shop which was situated in Liverpool NSW.
Mrs Venn was handicrafts officer of the Glenbrook branch of the CWA for many years.
Mrs Venn was a busy seamstress whose main work was making ballet tutu's for the Sydney Royal Academy of Dancing, and also stage costumes. She also started the CWA Handcraft classes in Glenbrook NSW.
Apart from this quilt two others were made for her grandchildren. All of these quilts were well used over the ensuing years." [Josephine Curtis]
The swatches came from Ingall's Men's Centre, 51 Scott Street, Liverpool NSW.

Mrs Valencia Venn, maker of quilt
Mrs Valencia Venn, maker of quilt
House in which quilt was made.<br />4 Lagoon Drive (previously Mark Street) Glenbrook NSW
House in which quilt was made.
4 Lagoon Drive (previously Mark Street) Glenbrook NSW
R.A.D regulation tu-tu, 1974. Worn by Jospehine Curtis (born Venn).
R.A.D regulation tu-tu, 1974. Worn by Jospehine Curtis (born Venn).
R.A.D regulation tu-tu, 1974. Worn by Michelle Rowe (born Curtis).
R.A.D regulation tu-tu, 1974. Worn by Michelle Rowe (born Curtis).

Related Quilts:

The Pioneer Women&#039;s Hut
The quilt is constructed from machine pieced diamond shaped striped flannel materials. The backing is the same. The padding is not visible but is thought to be worn out woollen clothing, unpicked and ironed flat.
1520 x 970mm
Eileen Dinning
Double sided silk quilt. One side is paisley designs and the reverse plain silk . Machine pieced. There is a thin padding possibly sheeting.
2694 x 2287mm
Albury Regional Museum
Patchwork cot quilt, machine pieced, rectangular, 5 x 4 squares. Assorted fabrics including seersucker, corduroy, printed and plain cottons. White ric-rac braid and zigzag machine stitching accentuate rows. Edge of white cotton tape. Backing is single flour bag, calico, with maker's printing visible through patchwork: 'Tiger. Best Australian Roller Flour. Mala Foot. Sole Supply. Part of Kuala Lumper' and Chinese characters.
674 x 540mm
National Gallery of Australia
" Reversible patchwork quilt of woollen suiting in grey, blue, navy, maroon and brown. The fabrics appear to be new tailor's sample pieces (the sizing is still present on the fabric, signifying it has never been washed). The patches are rectangular and vary in size. Both sides have different designs. The front of the quilt has 4 rows of 12 vertical rectangles then below this are 4 rows of 7 horizontal rectangles followed below by 4 rows of 11 vertical rectangles. The reverse of the quilt has a section at the top and bottom composed of 5 rows of 9 horizontal rectangles. The central area is made up of a centre section of 6 rows of 5 vertical rectangles; flanked on either side by a column of 10 horizontal rectangles and two columns of 8 smaller vertical rectangles.
The patchwork layers are joined at the edges with machine stitching. The patchwork layers and padding are machine quilted on the front down 2 vertical lines following joins in the patchwork; therefore not being totally straight. The lines are more noticeable on the reverse as the 2 sides do not match. The front face is displayed at the NGA.
Between the patchwork layers is a striped cotton blanket in black, sky blue, white and cream." [NGA]
2082 x 1386mm
Gwen Cordinglay
Patchwork quilt made from hexagon patches in silks and rayons, in pinks, blues, red, yellow mainly, with pastels. No padding. Bordered and backed with green satin.
1829 x 1372mm
La Dona Anick
Red and white cross stitch quilt. Central white panel with red cross stitch embroidery featuring flowers and leaves. Red panels as borders with white embroidery, also flowers and leaves. Machine pieced. Hand quilted in an espalier pattern. There is a fine padding and the backing is homespun. 2200 x 1970mm