The Rajah Quilt

A rare treat for quilt-lovers will be the annual public showing of the historic Rajah quilt. This amazing example of early colonial craftsmanship was made by convict women en-route to Hobart Town, Australia, in 1841 on board the ship Rajah.

Due to its size, fragility and light sensitive nature, the quilt is only available for viewing once a year. See it for a limited time only from August 8 – 29 at the National Gallery of Australia. It will be on display daily from 10am – 5pm, and it will coincide with the Canberra Craft & Quilt Fair and a selection of special lectures and events. For more details, visit the website www.nga.gov.au/calendar or phone (02) 6240 6502.

The Rajah quilt c. 1840s
cotton sheeting and cotton, chintz silk thread
National Gallery of Australia collection
Gift of Les Hollings and the Australian Textiles Fund 1989