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Quilt
Thomas, Mrs Mary Ann (Mary Ann Thomas (nee Ellis), 1870-1955. Born in Llangwyrfon; married Jenkin Thomas on 7 September 1892. They lived at 59 Rees Street, Gelli, Rhondda. Following his death in 1923, she started to quilt as a way of earning a living - making two to three quilts a week with the help of two local women. On 25 October 1923, her story was featured in the Western Mail & South Wales News: “Mrs Thomas comes from old Cardigan farming stock and took up quilting but five years ago when she lost her husband… Mrs Thomas has a family of eight children, all of whom are doing well in various parts of the country and anxious to provide for her. She is appreciative but cherishes the Cardiganshire spirit of independence and so decided to make an effort to provide for herself.")
Wholecloth quilt made in 1929 by Mrs M. A. Thomas of Gelli, Rhondda, as a commission for the National Museum of Wales. Top cover of pale yellow and backing of green cotton sateen. Quilting pattern consists of central diamond with dragon motif flanked by pair of crossed leeks and two pairs of crossed daffodils. Stitched inscription: AMGUEDDFA GENEDLAETHOL CYMRU Y FLWYDDYN 1929. Rectangular field of trellis, with circular motif in each corner containing petalled flower. Edged with single chain.
Collection Area
Social & Cultural History
Item Number
29.151
Historical Associations
Associated Person/Body: National Museums & Galleries of Wales
Association Type: commemoration
Date: 1929
Associated Person/Body: Rural Industries Bureau
Association Type:
Date: 1929
Creation/Production
Thomas, Mrs Mary Ann
Acquisition
Purchase, 1929
Measurements
Length
(cm): 210
Width
(cm): 170
Techniques
quilting
Material
satin (cotton)
Location
In store
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