Story: Sewing, knitting and textile crafts

Knitting in the ladies' gallery at Parliament, 1880 (1st of 3)

Knitting in the ladies' gallery at Parliament, 1880

Knitting is a portable craft and can be done almost anywhere if the hands are not needed for another purpose. Women have knitted in the debating chamber of Parliament since the 19th century. The women shown here, listening to the debate, are probably wives and relatives of members of Parliament, along with a 'lady newspaper reporter' or two.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: 1/2-C-16700-F

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Sewing, knitting and textile crafts - Home textile crafts', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/40518/knitting-in-the-ladies-gallery-at-parliament-1880 (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 5 Sep 2013