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For the next three years, the Textile Research Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands, is offering seven junior and four senior fellowships for up to six months each. The fellowships are being sponsored by the Gieskes-Strijbis Foundation, Amsterdam. Fellows are invited to carry out research based on the TRC’s extensive textiles and dress collection. The junior fellows will be supervised and assisted by TRC staff; senior fellows will carry out independent research.

The first of the fellowships is a junior position starting in the spring (March/April) of 2026, depending on the fellow’s and TRC’s agenda. Applications for this position should be submitted to the TRC by 16 January 2026 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), with the reference: ‘Fellowship programme’. The TRC will advertise for other fellowships in March 2026. Fellows are selected by a special committee of three TRC staff and/or Board members and will decide upon the advice of external specialists.

The Programme encourages object-based research and stimulates different approaches to view textiles, dress and related accessories (such as through a technical, historical, curatorial or fashion-oriented lens), with the TRC collection at the heart of the planned research. With this Programme, the TRC wants to help build a new generation of specialists for the broad field of textiles and dress studies.

With the Programme the TRC also wants to widen knowledge and understanding of the objects in the collection and promote and strengthen the role of the TRC in the world of textile and dress institutions.

The TRC wants to contribute to the sustainability of clothing and textiles, and stimulate a better understanding of the wide diversity of textiles and dress, produced, used and worn worldwide. To this purpose, the TRC wants its fellows and others to tell the stories behind our collection objects to a wide audience and to think about and explore the transmission of textile knowledge in different ways (blogs, articles, exhibitions, workshops, conferences, etc.)

Results

The fellowship will preferably result in one or more publications (when suitable) and some organised events related to the research (exhibitions of potential varying sizes, lectures, workshops, etc). The formal structure and final form of the project will be discussed with the appointed TRC supervisor at the start of the fellowship. The fellowship will be concluded with a public lecture about the process and results of the fellowship and a written report by the fellow.

Proposal examples

The proposals to be submitted by candidates may focus on a wide variety of topics, for example (but not limited to):

• Archiving and studying our reference collection – which covers textile techniques and equipment.
• Researching a country’s or region’s textile and/or dress traditions in our geographical collection or a textile technique of your choice.
• Working on our charts and patterns collection and recreating some pieces.
• Recreating techniques (weaving, lace-making, knitting, embroidery, etc) featured on a textile sample in the collection or a set of notes that has not been researched yet while adding to pertinent historical knowledge.
• Connecting our library and objects, or different parts of our collection (technical and geographical) together in some manner.
• Looking at our dress-related collection of accessories such as jewellery, footwear, headwear, bags, etc.

Requirements

Fellows are invited to participate in the TRC’s general activities, and to help-out, when possible, with other activities, such as the identification of objects, depot and cataloguing work, event supervision, in view of understanding and learning about work in a cultural institution which focusses on textiles and dress.

The TRC organises numerous courses and workshops and is also involved in supervising students who have internships at the TRC. Fellows may be invited to participate in, teach, or organise activities.

Fellows attend regular check-ins with the TRC supervision team, and most of the work and research is done on site, at the TRC.

Profiles

We aim to promote diversity, and to attract in principle early career scholars from widely differing social and cultural backgrounds. Applicants may be curators, educators, conservators, community members, craftspeople and makers, as long as their proposals align with the fellowship’s aims and the applicant’s interests align with that of the TRC. Fellows, both domestic and international, are appointed based on their knowledge and demonstrable interest in clothing and textiles, their specific interests, their enthusiasm, and their willingness to collaborate with others.

For the junior fellowships, we particularly welcome candidates with a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent. Candidates should have excellent command of English. Knowledge or fluency in Dutch is a plus. Research at the TRC is mainly conducted in English. For senior fellows, we welcome candidates with a proven background in research and preferably a PhD degree.

What we offer

• The TRC offers a monthly allowance to its junior fellows, before tax, of €2300 euros p.m. and €4000 euros p.m. for senior fellows.
• A truly enthusiastic and stimulating work environment with colleagues that have a deep passion for textiles and/or dress.
• A network of national and international institutions and specialists in the field of textiles and dress to connect with and build lasting professional relationships.
• A working space in the new TRC premises, Boerhaavelaan 6, which is an urban villa in the beautiful and historical city of Leiden, located just behind the Leiden Central Railway Station.
• Access to our facilities, including workspaces, the collection and the library of the TRC and of Leiden University.

Financial and residential matters

Costs such as transportation and moving to Leiden to pursue the fellowship, are unfortunately not in our funding capacity and the monthly allowance mentioned above will be the primary source of monetary compensation we can provide for all candidates to cover their personal and practical costs. Fellows will probably need to be registered as independent professionals. The TRC will help in the process.

Help with finding accommodation, visa processes and health insurance can be discussed individually, but these related costs are not covered by the TRC. Extra material costs in the case of a practical project are to be discussed with the TRC.

Required application materials

• A resume detailing the applicant’s professional and personal background (2 pages max.)
• A project proposal containing a description of the project, a time frame, the participant’s aims and career plans, and the planned results.
• Two recommendations, or the names of people and their contact details who can be contacted.

For further information, please contact Augusta de Gunzbourg, Manager Exhibitions and Fellowships, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Some time ago we published a blog about a visit to Estonia and the local production of camouflage netting for Ukraine. Last week our IT-consultant, Jonathan Visser, who currently carries out volunteer work in Ukraine restoring computer systems, sent us the following appeal for support.

Kitty Pechersk (Печерські котики, 'The kittens from Pechersk')  is a charitable project based in Kyiv, Ukraine, which has a significant role in producing vital fabric-based items for its brave Ukrainian frontline defenders. This volunteer-run collective has been producing camouflage nets, ghillie suits, helmets and paraffin trench candles by hand since the full-scale Russian invasion in early 2022.

Group of volunteers of Kitty Pechersk.

Ukrainian and international volunteers work around the clock, seven days a week, cutting and preparing fabric before the cut strips can be woven into camo nets and camouflage kikimori (military camouflage suits), so this brave and resilient nation can continue their fight to defend their sovereignty and freedom! They have produced over 40,000 camo nets to date.

I had heard of their work and how inclusive and hard-working they were before I even arrived in Ukraine. I and every other international volunteer I met there were very proud to have been a part of this volunteer project. The many tokens of appreciation from soldiers from the front that decorate the walls at KP underscore how essential and important KP’s work is to their safety and protection from the daily attacks they must endure.

KP is a great place for an individual volunteer with no knowledge of the Ukrainian language. You will be made very welcome as well as meeting like-minded English-speaking volunteers, making it easy to hit the ground running once you arrive. If you are not in Kyiv or unlikely to go anytime soon, then donations help significantly too! There are considerable costs to buying materials and running the project on a daily basis.

We are currently fundraising to cover the cost of a new cloth-cutting machine. This machine will cut basic rolls of fabric into the specific-sized strips that are required to make the camouflage items. The original way of producing these is manual, very time-consuming, and requires the effort of multiple people, and therefore, is slower and creates challenges in production. The new machine will be motorized, able to be run from an independent power supply to operate around the continuous blackouts, and able to be run by a single person, while also cutting down production time by an estimated 80%. This machine will literally help save lives and only costs 1000 euros, as it’s designed and built by volunteers!

ideal logoWe would be truly grateful for any donation you are able to make, no matter the amount. Volunteers on the ground donate their time and energy, so cash donations are a great way to support KP for those who are unable to volunteer. 100% of the donations received will go towards the cost of the materials used to build the fabric-cutting machine. If donations surpass 1000 Euros, extra funds will be directly transferred to Kitty Pechersk to help cover any other costs that they need funding for. So you can rest assured that your donation is guaranteed to support the project and to help provide safety for those who so directly need it!

You can donate directly to the Stichting Textile Research Centre, IBAN NL39 INGB 0002 9823 59, with reference to 'Ukraine'. You can also use the attached iDeal button.

USA-based donors can make tax-deductible contributions to the "..............." 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).

Information about volunteering at Kitty Pechersk (which is highly recommended) and other Ukrainian volunteer projects can be found here.

Thank you for your love and support. Slava Ukraini!

The new premises of the Textile Research Centre, as seen from the garden.(Leiden, 1 Nov. 2025) We are seeking a highly motivated and well-connected individual to drive the strategic growth and long-term sustainability of the TRC. With your expertise and vision, you will help us professionalise, strengthen and seize new opportunities. The ideal candidate has a strong background in fundraising, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning and Development

• Collaborate with the director of the TRC and the TRC Board to define the long-term strategic direction of the centre.
• Develop workable plans to increase the TRC’s visibility, reach, recognition and impact.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the marketing and communication strategy.

(Leiden, 6 Nov. 2025) Kirkus Review is a book review magazine founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus. The publisher, Kirkus Media, has its headquarters in New York. Its online version has just published a review of Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood's latest book: The Atlas of World Embroidery. A Global exploration of Heritage and Styles and awarded it with the coveted 'star'. For more information about the book, see an earlier blog.

The review can be read and downloaded here. The Atlas will be published by Princeton University Press on 17 February 2026. A Dutch version will be published at the same time by WBooks. A book launch of both the English and Dutch versions will take place on Friday, 20 February 2026, in the new 'home' of the TRC at the Boerhaavelaan 6, Leiden.

(Leiden, 5 Nov. 2025) The Stichting (Foundation) Monumentenbezit, the owner of Boerhaavelaan 6 where the TRC soon hopes to find a new home, has published an article about the building, its history and its architectural jewels, but also about the new occupants of the building, namely the TRC. You can read or download the article, which contains a number of beautiful photographs, here.

Boerhaavelaan 6 Leiden

In a previous blog we talked about the big upcoming changes at the TRC, including a move to larger premises. Moving, renovating and refurbishing the ‘new’ TRC building are not going to be cheap. We estimate it will cost about 250,000 euros to do everything we want to do, including the removal itself (with an estimated 3,000 collection boxes and 400 library boxes).

So we are now looking for funding for various, immediate needs connected to the building, including a new kitchen (15,000 euros), workshop space for natural dyes (5,000 euros), exhibition equipment and showcases (10,000 euros), a basic textile laboratory (15,000 euros), a new computer system (25,000 euros), even a new annex for the TRC Library (75,000 euros).

The good news is that we have an initial 120,000 euros from a patron to cover the basic costs. Last week we received another 20,000 euros. But as you will understand, the more ‘outside’ funding we can raise the better.

Any help you can give towards these and other ‘projects’ would be greatly appreciated. It does not matter whether it 5 euros or 5,000 euros, everything will help!

Donations can be made directly to the TRC account NL39 INGB 000 298 2359 or by pressing the ideal button. The TRC is a Culturele ANBI so donations are tax deductible for Dutch tax payers (up to 125% for individuals, and up to 150% for commercial companies), and some European tax payers. For more information, click here

International donations can be made by bank transfer using the following details: Bank account number (IBAN) NL39 INGB 000 298 2359, in the name of the Stichting Textile Research Centre. The BIC code is: INGBNL2A.

American tax payers can donate via Myriad USA and use Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) of the IRC for tax-deductible donations to non-profit organisations. More details can be found by pressing this link.

We are planning on having a New Year party to celebrate the move and establishment of the ‘new’ TRC. Everyone will be most welcome and donors will get an extra glass of champagne and a guided tour of the building!

Princeton University Press has just announced the upcoming publication (Febr. 2026)  of The Atlas of World Embroidery: A Global Exploration of Heritage and Styles. The book was written by Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, director of the TRC, and uses a large number of textiles housed in the TRC Collection.

The book is described in the announcement as "A richly illustrated history of embroidery and needlework, showcasing the glorious range of styles, motifs, and materials used around the world."

"Embroidery is one of the world’s most widely shared forms of creative expression—and one of its most varied and diverse. It can be found in every region, yet its visual languages, themes, and techniques vary greatly: some are marked by unique styles and others show influences from neighboring cultures. The Atlas of World Embroidery examines many distinctive embroidery styles and traditions found across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia."

"From the quillwork and birch boxes of Indigenous North America to the decorative matyo style of Hungary, the zardozi embroiderers of India, and the satin stitches of Han Dynasty China, Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood provides a comprehensive history of embroidery, describing its materials and tools, its designs and symbols, and its uses and makers. Emphasizing the visual aspects of embroidery across cultures, the atlas features an unprecedented array of color images celebrating the art form."

There are lots of things happening at the moment at the TRC, including preparing for some very, very big changes. As readers of the TRC Blog and Newsletter will know we have been working with various groups to move the TRC to larger premises so we can expand our range of activities, collection and teaching commitments as an international centre (hub!) for textile knowledge and skills in all their diverse forms.

Yes: We hope to move soon. Showcases are being emptied.Leiden: City of Textile Knowledge

Leiden Council is actively helping us on many levels – they really want us to expand as a knowledge centre, serving an international community of textile lovers who want to pass onto the next generation(s) skills and knowledge about this fundamental aspect of human life and culture. With the Council's help, we are talking with various school groups, Leiden University, etc., about increasing the teaching of textiles and dress studies and making the TRC Collection, Library and research facilities more widely known and available, also online (compare the recent blog about 360-photography of TRC items).

There will also be an expanded number of workshops, courses, study days, weekend events and lectures. We are talking, for example, with various potential teachers to offer an increased range of subjects, from ancient Egyptian textiles to a history of jewellery.

In addition, a range of exhibitions that vary in size, from a single showcase to two large rooms are planned. These will be used to show the range, size and diversity of both the world of textiles and dress as well as the TRC’s amazing collection.