The new premises of the TRC, from the back garden.Robert Spiegelman is an American friend of the TRC who has been visiting Leiden and the TRC for some years, and has been supporting our work in many ways. Here is his personal appeal:
I am a huge, and hugely unlikely supporter of the TRC.
Let me explain. I am an American who loves Leiden and spends more than a tenth of my time there every year. A few years back, my curiosity was peaked. I had read about the TRC and while cycling by I met Gillian. It was truly inspirational. She gave me a tour, told me about their work, explained the plan/intention to go from an “academic volunteer run knowledge center” in a nondescript street front location to become everything it could be, a fully professionally run organization and an internationally recognized expert and leader. The dedicated group has done an amazing job.
I was impressed and immediately began making contributions to keep the lights on.
Why do I say “unlikely?” While I love Leiden, it is not my home. I have no interest in fashion and while I suppose textiles and textile history are important, neither was an interest of mine. What impressed me was the importance of the work that was being done, the idea that textiles, fashion, and the textile trade could be used to trace changes in civilization worldwide for several centuries. The parallels are fascinating.
Some might call me a philanthropist, but I really don’t like the label. We know that decisions to donate are based on many factors including needs, potential outcomes, personal interests, the interests of our friends and family, our neighborhood,…… One that I prioritize is the leadership and passion of the organization and this is a hook for me. I have been truly inspired these past three years by the enthusiasm, grace, generosity, vision, and hard work of leadership. This is the primary reason for my support.
The upcoming move to new premises along the Boerhaavelaan in Leiden is HUGE. It is a one-time thing and it needs to be finished to get back to the real mission of the organization. Of course, this is expensive and, of course, more expensive than originally anticipated. Please help.
I am hoping that you will use one of the links below to help. Let’s get this done. Together, we can.
Thank you for reading.
Robert Spiegelman, New Hampshire, USA, 11 February 2026
To support the TRC activities, we welcome your financial assistance: donations can be transferred to bank account number (IBAN) NL39 INGB0002982359, in the name of the Stichting Textile Research Centre. The TRC's BIC code is: INGBNL2A.
Since the TRC is officially recognized as a non-profit making cultural institution (ANBI), donations by tax payers in The Netherlands are tax deductible for 125% for individuals, and 150% for commercial companies. For more information, click here.
You can also, very simply, if you have an iDEAL/WERO app, use the iDEAL button and fill in the amount of support you want to donate.
USA-based donors can make tax-deductible contributions to the "Friends of the TRC Leiden" at Myriad USA. Because Myriad USA is a public charity, within the meaning of Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) of the IRC, donors may claim the maximum tax benefits allowed by USA tax law for their contributions. Myriad USA works closely together with Every.org (San Francisco). For the dedicated TRC site on Every.Org, click here.
Here is how to proceed:
- Gifts by check: Address your check to Myriad USA, write "Friends of the TRC Leiden" in the memo section of the check, and send it to Myriad USA at 551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10176
- Gifts by credit card, bank transfer, Paypal, etc, via Every.org: click Myriad button above.
- Gifts by wire transfer or to contribute other types of property: Contact Myriad USA via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone (212) 713-7660.
