Majorie Ridley Historic Site

Meet Marjorie Ridley, a well-known identity and artist.

Marjorie Alice Ridley (1897-1987) lived alone on Eastwell Road, Australind, from before World War II until her passing.

Born in Cottesloe, Marjorie was a renowned weaver and artist and a cousin of the famous children’s illustration author May Gibbs.

In the 1930s, she acquired her weaving skills from Joan Heath, who had learned them while living on Flinders Island.

In an era when very few women could make a living from their craft, Marjorie Ridley succeeded in doing so with the most humble of materials – Guildford grass, also known as Onion Grass. Guilford Grass is a weed, but Marjorie found its properties very good for weaving and held dye well. She made the grass into bags, trays, baskets, wallets, mats and brushes, which were bought by many.

Her work was unique and popular because her dyes were exceptionally vibrant. She often incorporated elements of Australiana into her pieces, including gum nuts and Quandong seeds.

Marjorie was known as a very independent and handy woman; she built her own house along with three boats.

Four years before her death, in 1984, the Craft Council of Perth showcased her work in an exhibition.

The following appeared in a newspaper article in September 1947:

Her home and workshop on Leschenault Estuary she built her self. She also built a 14ft. ‘flattie’ which, rigged for sailing, is moored on the Estuary. All her weaving is done on a loom designed and built by her self. An accomplished water colour artist, Miss Ridley designs all the articles herself. Many are of intricate colour patterns. Cured native nuts are used for decoration. Once her hobby, this work is now her livelihood.

She was awarded Life Membership of the Australind Progress Association for ‘services rendered’.

Ridley Place Foreshore is named after her youngest brother, Darby Riley, who was married to Edith Christina (Ducky) Clifton.