Summary

Tapestry panel titled 'Making Do, designed by artist Murray Walker. It is the fifth panel of ten in the Federation Tapestry Suite woven by the Victorian Tapestry Workshop (known as the Australian Tapestry Workshop since 2010), to mark the Centenary of Federation in 2001.

'Making Do' recognizes Australian resourcefulness and self-reliance and the way Australians have created a spoken and written language unique to themselves. It also honours anonymous Australians - those who are not featured in Australian history, but whose lives have helped form our nation. It is a celebration of our unacknowledged history.

The design incorporated a selection of Australian vernacular artefacts and language. Peppered throughout the design are examples of Australian colloquialisms which have evolved over time.

The Eureka flag, made from fabric remnants which includes pieces from a miner's wife's petticoat, forms the centrepiece of the design. At the top from left to right, Bruce Petty's small pen and ink drawings provide glimpses of 19th century rural life. Dispersed throughout the design are artefacts sourced from regional art and museum collections and small drawings from Koorie students from Echuca Primary School in central Victoria. Many of the artefacts depicted are children's toys made from scraps.

The blue colour throughout the tapestry symbolises the radiant blue of the Australian sky and sea. The gold and green denotes the sunburnt land. The theme of Australian land, sea and sky is one of the continuing themes of the Federation tapestry.

Weaving the toys made from different materials was demanding for the weavers as they wanted to capture the distressed appearance which is so much a feature of Australian folk artefacts.

Physical Description

Rectangular tapestry featuring a montage of text and coloured images of Australian artefacts: including the Eureka flag in the centre, children's toys, and boots. Against an orange, yellow and blue background.

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