For 2015, the TRC is preparing three very diverse, but at the same time equally fascinating exhibitions. From 5 January until 30 April 2015, the TRC shows "TEXTILE VISIONS OF EGYPT: Appliqué panels from the Street of the Tentmakers, Cairo". From 6 May until 17 September 2015: "IKATS WORLDWIDE", and from 23 September until 18 December 2015: "VELVETS AND SILK".
TRC Gallery exhibition. 5th January - 30th April 2015: TEXTILE VISIONS OF EGYPT: Appliqué panels from the Street of the Tentmakers, Cairo
One of the joys of walking around the bazaars of Cairo is a visit to the Street of the Tentmakers. It is a 17th century complex of buildings, with a long street with shops filled with appliqué panels of the most amazing range of colours and designs. The appliqués from the Street are part of a tradition that goes back to at least the time of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun (died 1323 BC). The TRC exhibition includes historical and technical information as well as a very wide range of panels with traditional geometric designs, intricate Arabic calligraphy, ancient Egyptian tomb scenes, modern lotus designs, as well as birds, fishes, landscapes and folk stories. In fact, all aspects of traditional Egyptian life.
The exhibition at the TRC has been made possible with the help of the appliqué makers from the Street of the Tentmakers, Cairo. Various items made by the men will be for sale in the TRC shop.
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TRC Gallery exhibition. 6th May – 17th September 2015: IKATS WORLDWIDE
As part of the celebrations of the National Textile festival, to be held in Leiden from the 13th – 16th May, the TRC and the Dutch Ikatkring are holding a spectacular exhibition about ikats from around the world. There will be examples of these textiles from Central and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, as well as Asia. The whole world in fact!
The exhibition will also present historical information, technical details (including ikat frames from Africa and Indonesia), as well as many textiles and garments made from ikats.
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TRC Gallery exhibition. 23rd September – 18th December 2015: VELVETS AND SILKS
The TRC houses the Van Gerwen Collection of velvets and silks, dating from the 16th to the 19th centur. A varied selection of these beautiful textiles from various weaving workshops in France, Italy and Spain will be on display in the TRC Gallery. These are a joy simply to look at and wonder how they were made in the so-called pre-Industrial world. Some of these pieces are from royal textiles, others adorned noble households and elaborate church vestments. All display intricate weaving techniques, as well as colours and designs that will amaze and provide inspiration for all interested in the history and development of luxury textiles in Europe.
The exhibition also includes a selection of 18th and 19th century silk garments, including various dresses and jackets made for the girls and ladies of a family living along the Rapenburg in Leiden!
