Quilt No.319TM - Tom Morgan

Owner: 
Tom Morgan
Location: 
QLD South West
Maker
Maker: 
Antonia Wells
Made in
AUSTRALIA QLD
Patterms
Pieced Animal skins, Native Fauna
Date: 
1941 - 1970
Description: 
Animal skin rug made from squares of kangaroo skins placed in a diamond pattern, with a row of dark brown fur diamonds along one side. Original backing was red felt; there is some remaining along the egde of the rug. The rug was machine sewn. 1423 x 1169mm
History: 

Made in 1972-1973 by Mrs Antonia (Toni) Wells, of 'Woolloola', Jericho Qld. Purchased by Elizabeth Morgan c.1975. Owned by her ex-husband, Tom Morgan.

Story: 

"The rug has been in constant use by Ben (my son) & also his siblings. The missing lining can probably be explained by a moth attack. These skins are in very good order.
Toni Wells, the maker of this rug lived in Western Queensland. She educated her three sons on the proceeds of making kangaroo skin bags, rugs etc. These boys would shoot the kangaroos in the holidays. How they were tanned is not known (ie home or professional).
This story is indicative of the spirit & determination of some women in the bush - hard times on the land lead to enterprising ventures to make money - to survive."
[Tom Morgan to Morley Grainger NQR Co-ordinator]

Tom Morgan and rug
Tom Morgan and rug

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