Quilt No.418VI - Val Ireland

Owner:
Val Ireland
Location:
QLD South West
Maker
Maker:
Emily Ireland
Made in
AUSTRALIA NSW
Date:
1921 - 1940
Description:
Utilitarian quilt. The top and backing are machine pieced scraps of curtain material and clothing pieces. The centre is an old blanket and possibly clothing pieces.
2033 x 1525mm
2033 x 1525mm
History:
The internal quilt, now the padding, was made before 1933 by Emily Ireland (born Merz) 1889-1933. It was then owned by Eric Ireland, 1924-1994, son of the maker. Eric brought this quilt with him when he married Val and Val made the pieced top and backing in Penrith NSW in 1953. The quilt is not used now.
Story:
Eric Ireland, son of Emily, the first maker was orphaned when he was 12 years old. Eric took his quilt (now the padding) with him as he moved from relative to relative and also when he went on long walks (200 miles) along the eastern seaboard.

Val Ireland
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2400mm x 1660mm
2400mm x 1660mm
"This is a coverlet of pale blue cotton muslin, highly decorated with appliquéd pieced bands, figures, and embroidery. The edge of the quilt is finished with bands of yellow, white and green cotton attached with ladder stitch.
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
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