Quilt c. 1938

This quilt was made by Frank Gutting; we don't know exactly when. The floral design here is so beautiful; the process of making something like this is so labour intensive. You just know it's been made with love! I particularly love the scalloped edge, each little semi-circle is so carefully rendered in this pinky-red, and they are attached to the vine of leaves like little baubles. It's so delicate, yet bold at the same time. It's interesting how the artist has created a sense of depth by suggesting the quilt is cascading down towards us. The overall effect is so charming, it reminds me of the work of Henri Rousseau, particularly his dreamscapes, but here it is comforting, domestic, and, of course, a quilt, so has connotations of warmth. It feels deeply personal, like a visual hug.