An altar cloth in the colonies: creative embroidery by Anglican women of the late nineteenth century on the tablelands of New South Wales

A pattern for an altar cloth sent to the Australian first wave feminist Rose Selwyn in 1876 is indicative of the capacity of women to make theological statements through sewing. This altar cloth created on Kamilaroi/Gumeroi and Anaiwon country drew on symbols that challenged the Anglican Church and perhaps male power itself. Close analysis of the materials used and the language of the pattern shows the diverse influences on the colonising culture of the north west.