21 July 2026
In 1841, as they were transported from England to Van Diemen’s Land on board the ship Rajah, 29 convict women came together to transform almost 3,000 pieces of fabric into a magnificent quilt.
The Rajah Quilt is one of Australia’s most culturally significant textile treasures and stands as a poignant testament to the resilience and artistry of women in times of immense hardship.
Yesterday, Her Excellency the Honourable Caroline Wells, Governor of Tasmania, hosted an afternoon tea at Government House to mark the 185th anniversary of the creation of this important part of Tasmania’s history.
During the event, she symbolically accepted a replica of the Rajah Quilt on behalf of the people of Tasmania, echoing the presentation of the original quilt to Lady Jane Franklin, wife of Lieutenant Governor Sir John Franklin, in 1841.
While the fragile original quilt is permanently housed at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, the life-sized facsimile has been created to ensure its story can be shared actively across the State.
Philanthropists Anne and Rob Thompson have led the creation and presentation of the replica quilt, as part of their mission to share the quilt's rich history with Tasmanian communities.
The replica Rajah Quilt will be exhibited around the State, including at the Tasmanian Craft Fair in Deloraine in October and November this year.
Read Her Excellency's remarks from the afternoon tea
