Quilt No.677AP - Annette Packett

Annette Packett
Owner: 
Annette Packett
Location: 
VIC South West
Maker
Maker: 
Annie Gertrude Mitchell
Made in
AUSTRALIA VIC
Patterms
Typically Australian, Pieced Animal skins, Exotic Animals, Re-used clothing or blanket
Date: 
1901 - 1920
Description: 
Fur rug, mainly rabbit skins. The animal origin of the centre strip of tan fur is unknown. Restoration work was done on the rug 30 years ago and a new green felt backing replaced the old green one. 1000 x 750mm
History: 

This home made rug was stitched, from mainly rabbit skins, by Annie Gertrude Mitchell in Raglan Victoria in the early part of this century. Her husband Albert Mitchell shot the rabbits to supplement the family's diet. It then passed to Ida Tunnecliffe their daughter and then to her daughter Annette Packett the present owner. It is not used now.

Story: 

"It was originally much larger than the present rug. I rescued it from being thrown out nearly thirty years ago because it was in a state of considerable disrepair. To make it presentable, I cut out much of the fur which had perished over the years, and backed it with green felt. (It originally had a green backing). Knowing what I do today I would perhaps have left it in its original state, but at the time I thought I was doing the right thing. ���..My grandparents Lived in Raglan (Victoria). My grandfather was a potato digger, rabbit shooter etc. They owned a cow, and had a large vegetable garden and lots of chooks to supplement their meagre income. ���.I have fond memories of snuggling in this rug as a child. I think most of the skins are rabbit, but I don't know what the tan fur is. It is lovely and soft, and was always my favourite part." [Annette Packett 22.11.99]

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