Maker: Carol Bennett

Panel number: 124

Petition Sheet Number: 38 

Person honouring: Blanche Watt 

Relationship to makers: None

Blanche Watt was born Lilian Blanche Roberts in Shoreditch, London in 1874. She emigrated to New Zealand with her family, including her younger brother Victor. 

Blanche married Andrew M Watt, a blacksmith from the Shetland Islands who may have emigrated as a young boy with his family. Blanche lived with Andrew and his mother at various addresses in South Dunedin. 

Andrew was a lumper on the Dunedin wharf and was working on the SS Taupo on the 12th November 1899 when a hoist fell on to his legs. He was taken to hospital and one leg was amputated; he died 4 hours after surgery at the age of 35. Andrew and Blanche had no children.

Blanche struggled with alcoholism and was admitted to the Otago Benevolent Society three times. She drowned in July 1901, shortly after her third visit to the institution. 

Panel materials: I used materials I already had. Cotton fabric ice dyed, backed with a light Pelion. I printed the Houses of Parliament and the Thames river, London and a sailing ship of the era on preprinted photographic paper to achieve a sepia look. I used iced dyed cotton ironed to freezer paper to print her story and a quotation. Over-stamped with purple archival ink. Metallic paint used as highlights. Edged with white lace.