Quilt No.960NGA - National Gallery of Australia

National Gallery of Australia
Owner: 
National Gallery of Australia
Location: 
ACT
Maker
Maker: 
Mary Ann Brunton
Made in
AUSTRALIA VIC
Patterms
Patchwork, Frame
Date: 
1851 - 1880
Description: 
"A medallion or framed quilt in design. There is a central field of small patchwork diamonds, and from this radiates plain stripes of fabric bordering areas of patchwork panels. The edge of the quilt carries bands of red cotton, which are slightly larger at the top and bottom edges, and here the band is additionally decorated with appliqué diamonds. The fabric of the patchwork is cotton in fine plain weave of pale coloured florals and small geometric designs. The framing and border stripes are of bright red twill weave cotton. The small diamonds of the central field are hand sewn, with...
History: 

The quilt was made by Mary Ann Brunton. She began the quilt in 1873 at Sandhurst near Bendigo, Victoria. In 1990 the National Gallery of Australia purchased the quilt by auction at Sotheby's London. It is believed to have been in the possession of Mary Brunton's descendants until this time.

Story: 

"Mary Ann Brunton (Australia born 1851-Australia died 1930) began making the quilt in 1873, when she was living at Sandhurst near Bendigo, Victoria. Mary Ann was a dressmaker and the fabrics in the centre of the quilt were saved from other jobs. The quilt was not finished until 1887 after she and her family of eight children moved to Swan Hill. This quilt is the only known one made by Mrs. Brunton, and she entered it into ten Agricultural Fairs in the Kerang district between 1888-1897 winning first place each time. The National Gallery of Australia has some of the prize certificates from these competitions." [NGA]

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