Greek Quilt

History

The quilt was probably hand made in Athens for Aphrodite Moulieris before she came to Australia c. 1950. She gave it to her daughter who, in turn, gave it to her son Chris Jones, the present owner. It is not used now. "Aphrodite Moulieris (married name) was Chris Jones' grandmother. She was a Greek woman who lived in Turkey, but when there was conflict between the Greeks and Turks, the family moved back to Greece, to Athens. Chris' parents (Chris' father was English) came to Australia in 1948 and his grandparents followed some 3-5 years later. It is believed that Aphrodite may have brought the quilt with her when she came. The quilt was given to Chris' mother, who gave it to Chris some time ago. The quilt was in its present condition when it was given to Chris. It has only been occasionally used since he has owned it. Chris does not believe that his grandmother made the quilt herself as he has no memories of her ever doing any sewing. Chris, born in 1952 was minded by his grandparents as a young child while his mother was working, so he spent a great deal of time with his grandparents. In contrast, he remembers his mother doing a lot of sewing. Aphrodite Moulieris did not know her exact age, but died around the age of 93 in the early 1990s."
[Samantha Kors, family friend, 20 July 1999]

Description

Wholecloth quilt from Greece with one side red cotton sateen and the other floral cotton print, furnishing material weight, on cream background. Padding is extremely thick (about 20mm) wool or cotton. It is quilted in large even stitches with thick red thread in a pattern of clamshells with a border of lines and semi circles.
2100 x 1770mm