Quilt No.96MM - Muriel Mackenzie
1626 x 1093mm
Made by Ella Constance Mackenzie (born Canning) during the late 30s or early 40s, at Killarney, Queensland. Ella was the mother-in-law of the present owner.
The quilt is stored in a tin trunk and not used.
"These quilts were made out of necessity to help keep a family warm during very cold winters in Killarney. When I was first engaged and used to go to Killarney I used to hope that these quilts would not be put on my bed as they were very heavy. Within the family they were referred to as 'hug me tights".
[ Muriel Mackenzie 3.8.96]
"My Mother had 4 sons,( no daughters) born in Killarney. Her father built the first hotel in Killarney after migrating form Bath at the turn of the century. My Mother was about 5' 2" always sewing, mending and crocheting. My Father was a commercial traveller representing Thomas Brown, D. & W.Murray, A.M.Hartzberg, general wholesalers. A room in the hotel was used for commercial travellers to lay out their merchandise for the shop keeper to order from."
[Bill Mackenzie 3.8.96]
Bill's mother was not a sewer of clothing for herself or her sons.
Related Quilts:
Down the centre field of the design and 4 poems embroidered in quite crude chain stitch. Each piece of prose is accompanied by an appliquéd illustration. For example a large clock accompanies a poem of time. 'While shepherds watch their flocks at night�.'is illustrated with a beautiful scene of the manger watched by an angel, cows and sheep. The appliqué and embroidery is executed crudely with large stitches in running and overcasting. The quilt is signed, 'M.J.H. aged 84 yrs.1924.' " [NGA] There is no padding or lining. 1640 x 1540mm
Stavroula re-covered this quilt with this material about 20 to 25 years ago. Originally the quilt had a yellow gold satin top with yellow gold cotton backing. Padding is cotton wadding.
1900 x 1600mm
Cotton wadding showing through worn areas.
1810 x 1250mm
1790 x 1160mm