Quilt No.1017LR - Lois Ryan

Lois Ryan
Owner: 
Lois Ryan
Location: 
WA Perth
Maker
Maker: 
Elizabeth Emma White
Made in
AUSTRALIA SA
Date: 
1901 - 1920
Description: 
Log Cabin quilt made from a variety of cottons and silks. There is no padding and the backing is calico bags. 1500 x 1250 mm.
History: 

Quilt made in 1910 in Swan Reach SA, by Elizabeth Emma White, for her grandson William Maurice Collins. It is now owned by his daughter Lois Ryan. The quilt has never been used as it was never finished.

Story: 

"The quilt belonged to my father. His name was William Maurice Collins. He was born 3rd November 1910 in Mannum, South Australia and died November 1996 in Kalamunda WA. It was made for him by his grandmother, Elizabeth Emma White in 1910 - the year that Dad was born. She made a quilt for each of her grandchildren - Dad had seven brothers and sisters and I'm not sure how many other grandchildren there were. Granny White was born in Australia on 8th May 1853 and died on 27th July 1940. Her parents came from England (they came from a family of lacemakers) but her father was a tailor in Australia. Apparently there were boats that carried fabric (and other supplies) up the Murray River and Granny White may have bought the materials from there to make her quilts - we don't know that. She lived out in the country just out of Swan Reach in South Australia." [Lois Ryan]

Lois Ryan with quilt
Lois Ryan with quilt

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National Gallery of Australia
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