‘Roses from the Heart’ is an international project, remembering 25,566 women sentenced to transportation as convicts from Ireland and UK to Australia and Tasmania (formerly named Van Diemen’s Land) between1788-1853. Approximately 350 women transported were from Waterford. Artist Christina Henri chose a cloth bonnet, taken from an original 1860s servant's bonnet, to name and remember each of the women who were forgotten. Many were transported simply for being poor and when given opportunities in Tasmania or Australia flourished and contributed to the growth of the emerging nations.
Bonnet Making Groups
1. Ruth Murray Heart Creations Quilting, facilitates groups since 2010 in Waterford City and County.
2. Valerie Lapin Ganley, Sewing Bee Group Pacifica, California (2024).
3. Christina Henri, New Norfolk Group Tasmania (2024).
4. Waterford Women's Centre "Roses from the Heart” Bonnet project" began in 2017 Funded by WWETB.
5. Ferrybank Women's Shed began in 2024 and funded by WWETB.
Individuals making bonnets
1. Liz Heffernan and friends, Passage Co. Waterford (2024).
2. Donna Murphy, SETU Student (2024).
3. Jennie Boylan, SETU Student (2024).
4. Margaret Richards Roses from the Heart Waterford Group (2024).
