Historical information

Part of the Wagga collection. Maker unknown, c. early 1940s. Possibly from South Australia. This 'travelling rug' was found in an opportunity shop in Campbell's Creek near Castlemaine in Victoria. Unfortunately, nothing is known about the maker but it could be surmised that the quilt had many uses. It is heavy and designed for warmth, lined with a woollen blanket and hessian. Its size suggests usage in an open buggy or car when travelling or as a picnic rug along the way. The sturdy canvas backing is of the type commonly used for awnings, chair coverings or tent cloth. The quality of the green velvet made it ideal for further use as a quilt after the original use as an overcoat or smoking jacket for either a man or a woman. Apart from the original machine stitched seams in the garment, it is sewn together by hand using herringbone stitch. It is not known if this quilt was designed to be used with a cover. However, the arrangement of pieces in the garment to create a shape with straight edges may suggest that this may have been a consideration.

Physical description

Travelling rug made of wool, cotton and green velvet.

Inscriptions & markings

No. 27 "Travelling rug" Maker Unknown Running Stitch Collection...