The design of this printed tablecloth features 'The Absent Minded Beggar', a story by Rudyard Kipling which has come to symbolise the unknown soldier (or those unidentified ancestors lost at war). It forms part of a collection of late 19th and early 20th century Australian textiles, given to the Museum by Ian Rumsey and known as the Ian Rumsey Australian Textiles 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 design, which commemorates the Boer War and the soldiers who died in it, is printed onto the cloth. The tablecloth is hand hemmed.

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.

From the mid-19th century, needlework was a popular pastime among women, and the skills and techniques of decorative and plain sewing was both encouraged and expected of them (needlework was part of the school curriculum in the 19th century).

Australian troops fought in the Boer War from 1899-1902.

Tablecloth, printed linen, 'The Absent Minded Beggar', maker unknown, Australia, 1899-1905

A decorative colour-printed Boer War propaganda tablecloth which features the poem by Rudyard Kipling: 'The Absent Minded Beggar.' There is a cream central square with rounded corners. Central to this square stands a soldier, with a label 'The Absent Minded Beggar,' he is wearing his battle uniform, except for his helmet which is on the ground beside him. His head is bandaged and he is holding a bayonet. He is surrounded by six smaller green and white figures of soldiers, including Lord Kitchener, representing the various divisions of the armed services.

Along each side of the square are four rectangular cartouches containing handwritten excerpts from the poem. Surrounding this square is a deep, highly ornamental border featuring roses and Rococo style scrolls in pink, green, brown, and yellow on a pale yellow, brown and green background. In each corner is a medallion containing a head and shoulders portrait of different officers. A shield with the Union Jack and other motifs is placed at the midpoint of each edge immediately above these. The tablecloth has a green, brown and cream border. Near the feet of the central soldier is the artist' signature, R Caton Woodville and 1899.

Made: Australia; 1899 - 1905

Text from the 'Absent Binded Beggar' printed in four sections around border. Signature under beggar in centre 'P. Caton Woodville / 1899'.

2010/11/16

1899 - 1905

553 mm