The sun was shining, the TRC doors were open and people came to see what we are doing! Today was the first open Sunday afternoon in over two years, and everyone enjoyed it.
Preparing the TRC pop-up exhibition, 24 April 2022
The volunteers had been working hard all week on the pop-up exhibition and early this morning (Sunday) many of them were back to finish the last of the panels (hand knitted socks), mannequins, writing an object list and numbering all the items on display. A few pieces went back into their boxes, but I must confess, some more items were added. Then at 12.30 we put the kettle on for lunch and on 13.00 we opened the doors for visitors. And within a few minutes the gallery started to fill up.
Preparing the TRC pop-up exhibition, 24 April 2022
It was lovely to welcome people back to the TRC, to let them see what we are doing and why, and most importantly, to see European items from the two collections we have just been given. The items on display included embroidered blouses and shirts, caps, socks, waistcoats, jackets and complete outfits for men and women from Albania, Croatia, Hungary and Romania in southeastern Europe, but also garments from Georgia in the Caucasus.
Nearly 50 people came, and there would have been more if there had been no problems with the train service. There were textile conservation students, old friends of the TRC, family members, textile lovers, and various people who had heard what we are doing and wanted more information. They had the chance to talk with us and we with them, at one point over tea, coffee, biscuits and a home made apple tart.
Visitors also had the chance to see the ‘new’ quilts that came from Arizona, several of which are mid-19th century in date. Other visitors wented to see the depot (storage area), and yes there were questions about space and why we have accepted more items. It is simple, we believe in the future and the chance of getting larger premises so we can increase the range of our activities.
TRC pop-up exhibition, 24 April 2022
Yes, the TRC is a gezellig (cosy) place, but it is oh so much more. It is an educational centre, a research/study centre, a cultural ark for an important aspect of our joint cultural heritage (namely textiles, clothing and accessories) and a place where textile skills can be learnt and passed down by seeing and handling real objects, rather than putting them behind glass.
TRC pop-up exhibition, 24 April 2022
The good news is that we have decided to extend the exhibition until the end of May 2022. You will be more than welcome to come and see what we are doing. In the meantime, one of the new student interns, Kelly Wong from Amsterdam University, made a recording of the exhibition, various moments and the people. This will be edited into a short film for everyone to see.
Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, Director, 24 April 2022
