Quilt No.283ST - Shirley Thamm

Shirley Thamm
Owner: 
Shirley Thamm
Location: 
SA
Maker
Maker: 
Alan Thomas
Made in
AUSTRALIA SA
Date: 
1921 - 1940
Description: 
Skin rug made from kangaroo skins, in six squares with a diamond shape in the centre. Four squares are pale tan, the two centre ones are grey-brown, and the diamond shaped skin is red-brown. Skins are hand sewn with a zigzag stitch to the backing of brown woollen fabric. On each long side is a border of the brown wool fabric, with the edges serrated. No padding. 1760 x 1040mm
History: 

Made by Alan Thomas in the early 1920s near Burra (SA), and given to Miss Rhena Thamm (later Mrs Burdon) 1903-1990. Owned by her neice by marriage, Mrs Shirley Thamm

Story: 

The skins came from 'Hogback' Station via Burra (SA), owned by the 3 Thomas brothers, including Alan, the maker. 'Hogback' is 60 km from Burra and takes its name from the shaped hill on the property. Alan and Rhena were friends; Rhena put the backing on the skins herself. She was approximately 20 years old when it became hers. Rhena's sister Phosia married one of the other brothers, Ralph, and they lived at 'Hogback' for many years. Rhena lived in Burra North but often stayed with her sister at 'Hogback'.

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