Landowner, amateur craftsperson using straw, wood and other materials, was born in Ireland son of an Irish clergyman, with an uncle Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Gerald d_ Courcy Lefroy arrived in Western Australia in 1843 with his brother Anthony O’Grady Lefroy to pioneer agricultural and pastoral districts at Toodyay, Bolgart and Walebing. At first he was in the New Norcia area living a lonely bachelor existence. Like other pioneer farmers from leisured backgrounds he was able to put his hobbies to useful ends.
Lefroy wrote in his diary “I always amuse myself making something in the evening.” The young bachelor embroidered cushions and panels, made frames for embroidery, carved walking sticks, plaited straw for bonnets – that were later lined with silk and trimmed with ribbon, tanned and sewed possum possets and rugs, cobbled silk shoes and made laborious horse hair chains for lady friends. On one occasion he sewed his own racing silks.
His brother later took up a position with Governor Fitzgerald. The brothers mixed with society when in town. In the country, they made many things for themselves. As was typical of the period Lefroy carefully observed the Sabbath spending the day writing letters and reading – often the Bible and the Illustrated London News. He was particularly interested in accounts of the great exhibitions and followed them with interest, as did many members of the community.
- Writers:
- Dr Dorothy Erickson
- Date written:
- 2010
- Last updated:
- 2011
