I have become aware of a project by a woman called Christina Henri at the University of Tasmania to have an installation of
" 25,266 bonnets (taken from an original 1800's servant's bonnet pattern) that pays tribute to the lives of the 25,266 convict women transported from the British Isles and Ireland to Australia, plus relevant documentation. Although it specifically looks at the women sent to Australian shores it encompasses commemoration of all convict women. Prior to the American War of Independence Britain was shipping many from it’s poverty stricken section of society off to the American colonies."
She is looking for people from all over the world to help make the bonnets. The pattern is very simple and she will email it to you if you request it from her. (click on the photo to see the gorgeous detail on these bonnets)"If you do not have a female convict ancestor just email me and I will send you names to chose from to ‘adopt’ for this Project. Also if you could add a note with your bonnet saying why you chose the convict woman you wish to pay tribute to. (Ancestor: Similar, name: Connection with the place of birth: Similar age: etc) If you find anything else out about your ancestor or the woman you are 'adopting' please add that in your note as well. If you know the name of the ship the convict lass was sent out on please place that information on your bonnets. In one corner of the brim you could have the convict woman’s name and on the other, you could place the Ship’s name and year of arrival in Australia."
She'd also like you to send a photo of yourself with your bonnet to be included in the exhibition. At present she only has 5000 made. If you can sew, even a little, why not have a go at this...and spread the word. We all know how quickly news travels in the blogging world.
Her web site: http://www.christinahenri.com.au/Event.html. (the bonnet pattern and contact details are there)
I love this idea, as it amazes me that so many women were sent to Australia to the female factories. My mother told me recently that we are supposed to be decended from the very first white baby born in Australia...so I will make my bonnet for her. Who knows what her mother did to deserve being sent to Australia as a convict. I also love the whole concept of installations and especially one where a vast number of people help to contribute to it. Here's one for you Chels...and you could have your own little female factory with all those young women!!!!
So come and join in! And spread the word!
So come and join in! And spread the word!
that's is a cool project.... I wore a bonnet all day once for a pioneer day...that was enough for me! I love hundreds and hundreds of things in groups. I was driving through Cornell today and passed the coolest tree sculptures...must get a pic to show .... art rocks!
ReplyDeleteGood on you Georgia - the bonnets are lovely and if I had more time...
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