11/06/2026
Introducing our 2026 Featured Exhibit: The Rajah Quilt Replica ✨
We are honoured to present a licensed full-size replica of The Rajah Quilt, one of Australia's most significant historical textiles.
Created under a special licence from the National Gallery of Australia by Tasmanian custodians Anne and Rob Thompson, the replica faithfully reproduces the original quilt in both size and colour, allowing communities to experience this remarkable story up close.
The original Rajah Quilt was hand-stitched in 1841 during the 105-day voyage of the convict ship Rajah by women being transported from England to Van Diemen's Land. Using sewing materials provided through the work of prison reformer Elizabeth Fry and the British Ladies' Society for Promoting the Reformation of Female Prisoners, they transformed scraps of fabric into a powerful symbol of resilience, dignity and hope.
More than the only known surviving convict ship quilt, the Rajah Quilt is a rare record of women's lives, endurance and creativity during one of Australia's most challenging colonial eras. Its famous stitched inscription speaks directly across time, expressing gratitude, reflection and determination.
Rediscovered in 1987 and now held in the National Gallery of Australia's collection, the original quilt continues to deepen our understanding of the experiences of convict women in Van Diemen's Land.
This special replica exhibition is being presented through the philanthropic efforts of Anne and Rob Thompson, whose mission is to share the Rajah Quilt's extraordinary story with communities throughout Tasmania and beyond. 🧵
Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience one of Australia's most important textile stories at our 2026 Craft Fair.