Bass and Flinders Centre

The Tasmanian Quilting Guild Inc. 

 

1998 Challenge - “What Bass & Flinders Saw”

  

To commemorate the Bicentenary of Bass’ & Flinders’ circumnavigation of Van Diemen’s Land, the Tasmanian Quilting Guild Inc. challenged its members to make a small quilt to depict “What Bass & Flinders Saw” on their 1798 voyage in the Norfolk.

 

Fifteen quilts were made, each reflecting a different aspect of the voyage, but you may notice that several quilters have incorporated the view through the ship’s spy-glass and also used Flinders’ Log and maps for inspiration.

 

For several years after completion the quilts travelled as a suitcase exhibition to many parts of Tasmania and most mainland states. They were about to be handed back to their makers, when a permanent and appropriate home was found for them in George Town’s Bass & Flinders Centre, alongside the replica Norfolk. 

 

The local “Wilted Quilters” group provided funding for the Perspex in the display case, which was made by local woodworker Des Wootton, and they were installed just in time for the official opening of the Centre in November 2006. (click the images for more detail)