KATE SHEPPARD
Catherine ‘Kate’ Sheppard was the most prominent leader of the very first successful women’s suffrage movement, which won the vote for all women in New Zealand back in 1893; The first place in the world. Sadly, for someone who made such a landmark breakthrough for women, Kate Sheppard is little known outside of New Zealand.
The quilt depicts Kate Sheppard in classic Victorian dress and pose.
White camellia flowers, worn as a symbol promoting the cause of women’s suffrage throughout New Zealand, cascade down one side and in the centre are replicas of the signatures taken from the first page of the famous 'petitions' that played such an important role in gaining women the vote. Kate Shepherd’s signature is at the centre.
Like many other suffragists who followed her lead, Kate Sheppard gave up much to win equality for women, and not just at the ballot box. She was also forthright in promoting the advantages of contraception, the rights of divorce, the equal rights to guardianship of children, and clothing that did not crush internal organs. She was an inspiration to suffragists worldwide who were also striving for the same ends and was a shining example to those governments who had yet to recognise the equal rights of women. We have much to thank her for.
The quilt depicts Kate Sheppard in classic Victorian dress and pose.
White camellia flowers, worn as a symbol promoting the cause of women’s suffrage throughout New Zealand, cascade down one side and in the centre are replicas of the signatures taken from the first page of the famous 'petitions' that played such an important role in gaining women the vote. Kate Shepherd’s signature is at the centre.
Like many other suffragists who followed her lead, Kate Sheppard gave up much to win equality for women, and not just at the ballot box. She was also forthright in promoting the advantages of contraception, the rights of divorce, the equal rights to guardianship of children, and clothing that did not crush internal organs. She was an inspiration to suffragists worldwide who were also striving for the same ends and was a shining example to those governments who had yet to recognise the equal rights of women. We have much to thank her for.
TITLE: Kate Sheppard
PRODUCTION DATE : 2018
DIMENSIONS: 30 x 24 " | 76 x 61 cm
MEDIUM: Textile / Art Quilt
MATERIALS
100% cotton, dye, tea, bleach, vintage kimono silk, recycled clothing (velvet, brocade and broderie anglaise), Inktense pencils, cotton/poly batting.
EXHIBITION HISTORY
PUBLICATIONS
HERstory Quilts: A Celebration of Strong Women, 2018, Susanne Miller Jones, Schiffer Publishing
COLLECTION
Permanent collection of Kate Sheppard House Museum, Christchurch, New Zealand
PRODUCTION DATE : 2018
DIMENSIONS: 30 x 24 " | 76 x 61 cm
MEDIUM: Textile / Art Quilt
MATERIALS
100% cotton, dye, tea, bleach, vintage kimono silk, recycled clothing (velvet, brocade and broderie anglaise), Inktense pencils, cotton/poly batting.
EXHIBITION HISTORY
PUBLICATIONS
HERstory Quilts: A Celebration of Strong Women, 2018, Susanne Miller Jones, Schiffer Publishing
COLLECTION
Permanent collection of Kate Sheppard House Museum, Christchurch, New Zealand