Ian Szafranek has shared two beautiful embroideries sewn by his grandfather Giuseppe Spagnolo while he was in Australia. Giuseppe arrived in Australia on the Queen Elizabeth 15th October 1941 and departed on the Oranje (a hospital ship) on the 29th March 1943.
The initials within the red heart V G in the Arcangelo work represents Giuseppe’s love for his wife Vita. It was sewn in Cowra 1942.
Arcangelo 1942 (photo courtesy of Ian Szafranek)
Giuseppe completed Santa Lucia in 1943. Santa Lucia is the patron saint of the blind and her name means light.
These embroideries are poignant and personal reminders of a Giuseppe Spagnolo and treasured keepsakes for his family.
Santa Lucia 1943 (photo courtesy of Ian Szafranek)
Read more about Giuseppe Spagnolo as told by his grandson Ian:
Footprints of Italian Prisoners of War in Australia 