English Needlework Wall Hangings with Personalized Scenes, 1871

Two fine English needlework wall hangings, circa 1871, each wall hanging comprising individual needlework panels, all initialled by each maker, depicting various personalized scenes, each 230 cm long approximately. Provenance: These wall hangings were a wedding present for a prominent English family who relocated to Mackay Queensland in the 1800's. They belonged to Winifred and Charles Rawson. The family owned textile mills in the UK and these hangings were designed by many individuals including family members who worked at the mill. Charles and his brother were cousins of the late Admiral Sir Harry Rawson Governor of New south Wales and Admiral Collinson of exploring fame. Dame Nellie Melba was also a personal friend of Charles and Winifred and spent time residing with them in Australia. The Rawson Brothers, Charles Collinson Rawson, Edmund Rawson and Lancelot Rawson established the cattle station 'The Hollow' on the Pioneer river at Mackay in 1866. The Rawsons were also involved in the sugar and coal industries. Charles Rawson was also an active figure in the north Queensland Separation movement. In 1877 and 1878 Rawson went on expeditions to Mt. Dalrymple. The name of the Rawson's is closely associated with the early history of Mackay right back in fact to the first days when settlement was taking place. In 1882 Charles' brother Edward became Mayor of Mackay QLD.