World War 1 quilt returned to Dunedin

Dunedin (Thursday, 25 November 2015) – A century-old quilt made in Dunedin and sent to Britain for New Zealand troops injured in World War 1 has found its way home thanks to the generosity of an 89-year-old English woman.

The signature quilt, which includes messages of support for injured kiwi troops, has been in the possession of Bristol woman Stella Bessell's family since the end of World War 1.

Mrs Bessell recently wrote to Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull expressing her desire to see the quilt returned home to Dunedin.

Toitū Otago Settlers Museum expressed keen interest in receiving the quilt and when staff member Kim Conroy was holidaying in England recently, she took the opportunity to meet with Mrs Bessell and bring the quilt back to Dunedin on her behalf.

Toitū OSM curator Seán Brosnahan says the quilt originated from the historic firm of Brown Ewing, which was once the premier department store on Princes Street.

"This is an excellent acquisition as part of World War 1 commemorations and helps us tell the story of patriotic activity on the home front, especially women's efforts to support the troops "Injured New Zealand troops must have felt an enormous sense of comfort and connection to home when they found signature quilts such as these on New Zealand hospital beds in After World War 1, New Zealand military hospitals in Britain were broken up and their furniture and fittings dispersed.

Mrs Bessell's father bought the Brown Ewing signature quilt in an auction shortly after the war and it remained in her family until this year.

"The quilt itself is in excellent condition and is one of the best examples of its kind that I have seen," Mr Brosnahan says.

Mr Cull says he greatly appreciates Mrs Bessell's generosity.

"The repatriation of items such as this helps to ensure that the legacy of the New Zealand soldiers, and the efforts of those at home in supporting the troops, lives on," Mr Cull says.

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