Maker: Helen Barker

Panel number: 238

Petition sheet number: 292

Person honouring: Caroline Bergmann

Relationship to maker: None

Caroline Bergmann was married to Dutchman Martin Andrew Bergmann, a labourer. He was killed in 1908 when he was knocked by a sling and fell 40 feet into the hold of the Ionic, a ship he was unloading at Lyttelton Port. Caroline successfully sued the shipping company for $400 (about $90,000 today).

Caroline died in 1930, aged 89. She was buried at Rutherford (Woolston) cemetery where Martin also lay.

Panel materials: Printed names onto fabric and tea-dyed background. Stitched onto this using thread that I’ve collected/been given and edged it all with gifted tatting.