Dardanelles 1915 Our Heroes
Date1915 - 1918
Object number00040532
NameCrocheted cloth
MediumCotton
DimensionsOverall: 280 x 340 mm
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Leon and Maree Tofler
DescriptionThis crocheted cloth or antimacassar was designed to be placed on lounges to prevent staining. It depicts a naval ship and two Union Jacks, with the phrase ‘DARDANELLES 1915 OUR HEROES'. The piece was completed to commemorate and celebrate Australia's involvement in the Allied invasion of the Dardanelles in World War I.HistoryThis hand crocheted piece was completed to commemorate and celebrate Australia's involvement in World War I, particularly the Dardanelles campaign. Patterns for items like this appeared in many ladies' journals and magazines such as The Ladies' Home Journal, Australian Home Journal, Australian Woman’s Mirror, and Woman’s Budget. A variety of uses and patterns were supplied - milk jug covers, pillowcases, bedspreads, table runners, table cloths - all with the same patriotic theme.
The maker of this particular piece is unknown. From a similar piece in the collection of the Australian War Memorial we can see that this piece has not been completed as per the pattern - only the central design has been finished.SignificanceThis is a fine example of a commemorative crocheted piece and indicates the sense of patriotism felt by the Australian community for World War I servicemen and the Dardanelles campaign.
