It has been quite a week, as we were preparing the TRC’s new home on the Boerhaavelaan for a ‘soft opening’ last Thursday (26th March 2026). It took the form of a book presentation with a guest-of-honour, namely Peter Heijkoop, the Mayor of Leiden. The book in question is the Atlas van de Borduurkunst. Een wereldreis langs erfgoed en stijlen (WBooks, 2026), which is the Dutch version of the Atlas of World Embroidery. A global exploration of heritage and styles (Princeton University Press, 2026). The author is Dr Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, Director of the TRC.
The Mayor, Peter Heijkoop, receives a copy of the Atlas from the author. Copyright Joost Kolkman.
This was our first official event at the TRC's new home, and for the last week parcels and packages of folding stools, glasses of many types (from water to wine), bowls and towel hooks have been arriving. Floors and windows have been cleaned, curtains and Egyptian appliqué panels hung. We are still learning about the building, what looks good where and indeed what not to do!
Seventy guests were present at the book presentation representing Leiden Council, Leiden University, friends of the TRC, members of the public, students and many others. It was a chance to see B6 (as we have started to call our new home: Boerhaavelaan 6) as well as celebrate an important milestone in the history of the TRC. The speakers were Prof. Bas ter Haar Romeny (Chair of the TRC), Daan van Dartel (curator, WereldMuseum), Dr. Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood (Director, TRC) and the Mayor. In addition, Marti Heutink, director of WBooks, the publisher of the Dutch version of the book, was present, selling copies of the Atlas.
At the end of the day we were all very happy, albeit exhausted! It bodes well for the future of the TRC and the concept of ‘Leiden: City of Textile Knowledge’ and as an international hub for textile and embroidery studies.
The photographs below were taken by Joost Kolkman, a long-time supporter of the TRC, who also has been instrumental in setting up the TRC website.
Prof. Bas ter Haar Romeny, chair of the TRC Board, addresses Peter Heijkoop, the Mayor of Leiden. Dr. Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood is standing to the right. Copyright Joost Kolkman.
The audience listening to Daan van Dartel, curator of the Wereldmuseum, who speaks about the role and importance of embroidery. Copyright Joost Kolkman.
Dr. Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, Director TRC, talking about the role of embroidery at the TRC and beyond. Copyright Joost Kolkman.
Guests sitting in the exhibition space at the TRC listening to various talks. Copyright Joost Kolkman.
Marti Huetink, Director of WBooks, the publisher of the Dutch version of the Atlas, shows copies of the book. Copyright Joost Kolkman.
The reception after the presentation of the book. Copyright Joost Kolkman.
