Quilt No.676MH - Margaret Hedges
1680 x 1380mm
The quilt was made by Charlotte Augusta Barber (born Meara) probably at the property 'Mt. Taurus' or in Warrnambool in the latter part of last century. It was then owned by Charlotte Hedges, an aunt of the present owner, and now by Margaret Hedges the great grand-daughter of Charlotte Meara. It is not used now.
Charlotte Augusta Meara was born c.1815 and went to Van Dieman's Land in 1836 later crossing over to Belfast (now Port Fairy). In 1849 she and George Barber were married and lived in Port Fairy until 1855 when they moved to the neighbouring town of Warrnambool where George Barber established himself as a solicitor. They had 3 children Anthony, Louisa Ann and Ann Eliza. After practising in Warrnambool for a number of years George and Charlotte retired to a beautiful grazing property called 'Mount Taurus Estate'. George Barber died in 1897. Charlotte moved to Warrnambool and died in 1908.
Related Quilts:
The coverlet is decorated with rows of pieced work surrounding appliquéd and embroidered scenes. A panel down the LHS of the quilt and a smaller panel lower RHS depict animals and floral images. In the centre RHS an elderly couple sit beneath a tree. In the upper left a bride and groom accompanied by three flower girls are showered with petals from a wicker basket carried by a very large angel. Glass beads, sequins and a button have been used to highlight the appliqué and embroidery.
As with all of Mary Jane Hannaford's quilts, the work is stitched by hand and quite crudely, but the naivety of the images is overwhelming with their charm." [NGA] The quilt is not padded or lined. 1950 x 1690mm
2261mm x 1664mm
2200 x 1900mm
2210 x 1850mm
