Quilt No.1005JT - John Tomkin

John Tomkin
Owner: 
John Tomkin
Location: 
VIC Melbourne
Maker
Maker: 
Mary Tomkin
Made in
USA California
Date: 
1921 - 1940
Description: 
Hand stitched, cotton, appliquéd, quilt in a flower pattern on a plain background. Colours are shades of green, apricot and browns. This quilt was known as a 'Bride's Quilt'. Padding is thought to be layers of white fabric raised almost like a wadding. The backing is cotton material. 2470 x 2020 mm.
History: 

Quilt made by Mrs Mary Tomkin in California, USA in 1938. It was then owned by Queenie Tomkin. On Mary's death, it was bequeathed to the Tomkin family, and sent out to Australia in the early sixties. It was then given to John Tomkin when he married. Mary Tomkin was an aunt by marriage of the present owner. She had no family of her own, so the quilt was sent to Australia on her death.

Story: 

Mary Tomkin's quilt won a Blue Ribbon at the California State Fair in 1939. It was also part of a quilts and coverlets exhibit held by the Needlework Guild of America, in San Francisco USA, in 1939. This was part of the 'Golden Gate International Exposition (A Pageant of the Pacific)', San Francisco, California. President at the time was Mrs Robert H Donaldson.

Mary Tomkin probably 1939, the year she won the blue ribbon at the Californian State Fair
Mary Tomkin probably 1939, the year she won the blue ribbon at the Californian State Fair
Henry Tomkin, Mary's husband. Born in Australia but spent most of his life in the USA
Henry Tomkin, Mary's husband. Born in Australia but spent most of his life in the USA

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