Quilt No.989TL - Thelma Lithgow

Thelma Lithgow
Owner: 
Thelma Lithgow
Location: 
SA
Maker
Maker: 
Margaret Clucas
Made in
SHIPBOARD England
Date: 
1881 - 1900
Description: 
Repeat block quilt top based on hexagons, each 350 mm diameter. Six hexagons and a centre one make a 'flower' and these are set in rows against a plain calico background. Patterned cotton fabrics are used for the hexagons, small prints, fine stripes and tiny flowers. As it is a quilt top only, there is no lining or padding. 2100 x 1800 mm
History: 

The quilt top was made by Margaret Clucas in 1882 on the ship 'Potosi' travelling from the Isle of Man to Australia. It was then owned by her daughter, Mona Harvey (born Clucas) and then her grand-daughter Thelma Muriel Mona Lithgow born 1909.

Story: 

"Margaret Clucas nee Lewin, born Isle of Man 1834, married John Clucas and migrated to Australia via England, travelling on the cargo passenger ship the 'Potosi' 1882. While travelling on the 'Potosi' Margaret made the quilt top but it was never backed. John and Margaret Clucas were both school teachers and were quickly registered in their profession on arrival in St. Australia, Constantly moving around in difficult conditions occupied all their spare time. Hence the quilt was never completed. The hexagon papers were old letters but they have disintegrated over time." [Yvonne Daniel]

John and Margaret Clucas
John and Margaret Clucas

Related Quilts:

The Pioneer Women's Hut
Cotton quilt in pattern commonly known as "Double Wedding Ring'. Probably an American McCall's pattern. Hand stitched, florals, checks and plain pieces. The backing is pink cotton. Scalloped edge.
2300 x 1880mm
The Pioneer Women's Hut
Machine constructed log cabin quilt using a wide variety of strips of used clothing including cottons, men's suitings and wools. Each square is about 250mm and arranged in the 'light and dark of the fire' variation of log cabin. There is no padding. The backing is brown twill with an orange pattern and is probably a replacement backing.
2180 x 1710mm
Ruth Hansen
Quuilt constructed from large pieces of used clothing pieced together to form the top. There are layers of under shirts once used by the maker's father and also by her husband Bill. The backing is an old cream blanket.
1700 x 1200mm
Jean Gill
Patchwork quilt featuring centre block of log cabin surrounded by borders. Handsewn. Wide variety of materials including some velvet. Appliqued flowers.
1703 x 1575mm
Joan McGregor
One side of this quilt is large pieces of check and striped material surrounding a small patterned supper cloth with a border of scrap pieces. The other side is small, floral, check, spotted, striped and plain cotton pieces surrounding a tablecloth. It is machine sewn and is not quilted. The padding is an old woollen blanket.
1825 x 1625mm
Jan Hanslow
Hexagon quilt with 60mm hexagons in cottons. No particular design or pattern. Patches are plain and patterned in reds, blues, pinks, browns and greys. There is a 70mm wide lace trim. The quilt is padded and the backing is wholecloth green with a floral design in pink and cream. 1860 x 1640mm