Hobart artist Suzanne Curry creates cushions to commemorate Australia’s role in Great War

A HOBART artist’s crafty decision to create a cushion to celebrate her grandfather’s contributions in World War 1 as a birthday present has sparked a series of textile tributes.

Artist Suzanne Curry has been sewing and printing cushions to commemorate the sacrifices of the Anzacs. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

A HOBART artist’s crafty decision to create a cushion to celebrate her grandfather’s contributions in World War 1 as a birthday present has sparked a series of artistic commemorations of Australia’s involvement in the Great War.

The bespoke cushions crafted by Otago’s Suzanne Curry will be on display on Anzac Day at the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania, Lindisfarne.

Ms Curry started in April last year when she created a cushion honouring the service of her grandfather Albert James Curry for her brother Mark — who rides with the Mandurah Murray Vietnam Veterans Group and is a member of the RSL’s Pinjarra Sub-branch in Western Australia.

Irish-born Albert Curry served in the Royal Navy from 1915-1919, including time on the HMS King Alfred, and was awarded three Sea Service Chevrons — one for each year of service — and three medals, the 1914-15 Star Medal, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

The Anzac legend is among Ms Curry’s works.

When visiting WA, the Tasmanian artist also took a cushion she made to commemorate the Light Horse and another featuring the now-famous poppy symbol and they were bought by the Pinjarra sub-branch to be sold as part of its fundraising.

FOR A FULL LIST OF ANZAC DAY SERVICES IN TASMANIA, CLICK HERE

“On returning to Hobart, I decided to make an installation of 10 cushions for the 2016 Rotary Hobart Art Show,” Ms Curry said.

A selection of Ms Curry’s works on display.

“They were well received and I was pleased the Victoria Cross cushion was purchased as an exhibition piece for the Hobart Air Force Museum.”

Ms Curry sources the materials and embellishments she needs to make her commemorative cushions, such as badges, replica medals, belts and buttons, from both Australia and overseas.

“The materials need to resonate with the subject matter on the cushions and each, in the true sense of the word, is unique.”

She said the creation of these cushions had led her to appreciate more fully the extraordinary sacrifices made by people, and animals during the Great War, which in turn, allowed her to live her life of privilege in Australia.

The cushion exhibition will be staged by the Lindisfarne RSL sub-branch in collaboration with the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania between 9am and 5pm on Anzac Day.

Originally published as Hobart artist Suzanne Curry creates cushions to commemorate Australia’s role in Great War