Frederica Josephson and Lady Mary Fitzroy Quilts
Stitched together in the mid-1800’s, these two heritage quilts are important pieces in the history of Australian quilting.
Frederica Mary Josephson was the wife of convict silversmith Emmanuel Josephson. From 1853 to 1873 she lived at Riverview Cottage in Longueville, Sydney, where it is believed she stitched this incredible quilt. Consisting of a complex pattern of hexagonal stars and radiating diamonds, considerable thought and care has clearly gone into its construction.
Lady Mary Fitzroy was the daughter of the Duke of Richmond. Her quilt sadly went unfinished due to her untimely death in a horse carriage accident in Parramatta in 1847. Still, despite being unfinished, the hexagonal patchwork of this cotton and silk quilt has been skilfully executed.
Condition
Due to the age of both pieces, many of the fabrics had begun to deteriorate. To prepare them for upcoming exhibitions at the Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre and National Gallery of Victoria, ICS was commissioned to oversee and assist with their conservation, which was primarily carried out by Jane Donnelly from the National Trust.
Scope of works
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