Mary Jane Hannaford quilts
Mary Jane Hannaford was an English immigrant from here in Devon, arriving with her parents and brother in Australia in 1842, aged just 2.
Although not married, Mary Jane had a daughter in 1869 and subsequently 9 grand children for whom she made quilts. Mary Jane did not start making quilts until she was in her eighties (1920's). All her quilts have an authenticity about them, paying homage to her life and journey. I love her use of free form appliqué telling stories about patriotism, religious faith, and the love of Australian wildlife and flowers. Feels rebellious by nature, not picture perfect and pulls on my outsider art heartstrings. Reminds me of fellow intuitive textile artist Jessie Cutts work from Cutts & Sons