History
This cotton cot quilt was handmade by Sarah Thomas and dates to approximately 1830.
William and Sarah Thomas (nee Waller) arrived in Sydney, from Kent, England, aboard ‘Westminster’ in 1838. William was engaged by Henry Osborne, to work on his Marshall Mount estate in the Illawarra.
The couple and their three children, William , John and Clorinda arrived at Wollongong Harbour on a steamer called ‘Puffing Billy’, and settled at Marshall Mount.
Many years after their arrival, Clorinda (Cloe) recalled when they landed at the harbour. She remembered the place where the convicts were housed a little back from the landing spot. As there was no wharf, their possessions were carried from the boat to dry land. Clorinda recalled it was very cold, and one of the sailors carried her ashore. Dan, the bullock driver met them and drove them up Crown Street, which was at that time just a dirt track.
William worked as a carpenter for Mr Osborne, and built the grand cedar staircase in 'Marshall Mount House'. He planted an English Oak on the estate which still stands today. Sarah was engaged with home duties for the Osborne’s.
The Thomas’ later moved to 'Log Bridge Farm' at Yallah where another seven children were born. The family remained in Shellharbour and prospered. Members of the Thomas family still live in Shellharbour City today, and continue to be actively involved in the community.
This beautiful quilt was used for all of Sarah's ten children. It is today part of the Shellharbour City Museum collection.
Description
Patchwork cot quilt top made from cotton hexagon patches, featuring a centre rosette with 7 rows of patches around it forming an elongated shape, with rosettes and patches randomly placed on the sides.
Quilt has a border of triangles pieced to form squares.
Cotton prints with over 50 different patterns. Colours are faded with red and brown (may be faded green) and mostly pastels. Hand sewn using whip stitch. No padding or backing.
990 mm x 825 mm
Acknowledgements
Discover Shellharbour https://discovershellharbour.recollect.net.au/nodes/view/13330
