A hand embroidered woman's wedding blouse from Croatia, early 20th century. This blouse was the first external donation to the TRC Collection, which was started in 1997 (TRC 1997.0067).The Textile Research Centre in Leiden, the Netherlands, was established almost thirty years ago, on 19th December 1991. Since then it has grown into a internationally recognised centre of excellence with a large collection of ca. 36,000 objects, a textile library of more than 5,000 books, and an extensive programme of lectures, workshops and courses aimed at strengthening and inspiring craft and artisan skills in the intercultural world of textiles and dress. Despite the corona crisis, the TRC is thriving and optimistic about its future.
We have been talking for some time however about our need to expand, both in physical size and in the range of activities we present, literally from workshops, courses, lectures to mini- and large scale exhibitions. We also want to make the TRC Collection and library more accessible. Above all, we want to continue to put textile enthusiasts in contact with each other, both in person and online.
For the last few months we have been working very hard on preparing a document that covers the past, present and future of the TRC. Please find attached a copy of this document. Separate Excel sheets with the exact figures can be sent to you upon request.
We are looking for an individual, a company, a foundation or indeed a combination of these, that is/are willing to support financially the TRC Leiden to ensure its successful continuation for at least another thirty years.
If you can help or know of someone who would be seriously interested in what we are doing, please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or ring the TRC at: 00-31-(0)71-5134144 or 00-31-(0)628830428. Together we can make a difference to the world of textiles and dress!
Dr Gillian Vogelsang, Director TRC, 25 September 2021
