Recognition of the Rajah Quilt

After watching the Sunday Arts program on ABC yesterday, I went to the website of the National Gallery of Australia to find out more about the current exhibition of the works of Imants Tillers who creates larger works from smaller canvas panels.

In passing, I was surprised to see a quilt featured prominently on the NGA website banner. Closer inspection reveals that it is the Rajah Quilt, a pieced medallion style unlined coverlet (cotton sheeting and chintz appliqué, silk thread embroidery) made by British convicts on board the Rajah en route to Hobart in 1841. Makes you wonder what textiles from 2006 will be viewed by others in 165 years...