This embroidered table mat probably commemorates both the centenary of white settlement in Australia in 1888 and sending an Australian force to the Sudan in 1885. It forms part of a collection of 19th and 20th century Australian embroidery and needlework, given to the Museum by Ian Rumsey and known as the Ian Rumsey Collection. The collection was assembled by the donor, a private collector, over two decades and includes doilies, milk jug covers, tablecloths, placemats, towels, banners, aprons, samplers, runners and cushion covers, all featuring Australian motifs. Ian Rumsey was drawn to embroidery and needlework for its extensive use of Australian flora and fauna and other motifs which specifically reference Australia; he collected only well-preserved examples. The use of Australian motifs is strongly indicative of a shift away from the design influences of the United Kingdom towards a more inclusive Australian aesthetic.

The collection represents an important pastime of Australian women of the late 19th to mid 20th century. Women's focus was the home and its decoration was important. Embroidery and crochet work was an affordable way to personalise and add aesthetic value, and examples of embroidered and crocheted pieces could be found in most Australian homes, decorating or protecting furniture, floors and walls, and keeping off flies and insects from food. Embroidery and crochet work provided a much needed creative outlet for some and a restful leisure activity for others, as a way to commemorate significant events or supplement the family income.

The white linen mat is hand embroidered in satin, back and stem stitch in red, green, brown, orange, yellow and white cotton thread. The design features, across one end, the words 'Souvenir Centenary' worked in white thread in a red scroll surrounded by a white bow and native flowers; at the opposite end are worked the outlines of the Union Jack and the Australian flag held by a military man and encircled by roses, wattle and a bow.

The design probably commemorates both the centenary of white settlement of Australia in 1888 and the Sudan War, the first time an Australian force joined with British troops in their own capacity . The head and moustache of the figure depicted on the mat is reminiscent of General Gordon whose 'defence' of Khartoum in Sudan prompted the 1885 relief forces sent from Australia and Britain.

The mat was designed for commemorative purposes and probably for use on a sideboard, side table or dining table.

Part of a collection of well-preserved Australian needlework and embroidery of the early to mid 1900s, featuring Australian motifs and assembled by the donor Ian Rumsey over two decades. One of the principal sources for his collection was the late Nerylla Taunton, a widely respected Sydney antiques dealer who specialised in needlework and was a registered Australian government valuer for this class of object.

Mat, embroidered, linen / cotton, 'Souvenir Centenary', maker unknown, Australia, 1888

An oval souvenir mat with loosely hand crocheted edging. There are two small sprigs of flowers at the centre of the long sides, one pink and one yellow.

Embroidered at one end is a portrait of a military man with brown hair and a moustache in a uniform stitched in yellow. His face and hands have been stitched in pink and he is holding two flags on flag poles - an Australian flag and a Union Jack, both embroidered in only red and white. Encircling him is a floral design with a red waratah on the Australian Flag side and a red rose on Union Jack side. This circle also features some smaller red and yellow sprigs, green leaves and a white bow.

At the other end of the mat is a red scroll with the words "Souvenir Centenary" embroidered in white. Two flourishes of floral motifs and leaves fan out away from the scroll and are tied together with a white bow.

Made: Australia; 1888

2010/11/10

1888

350 mm