Waistcoat; red, green, and cream wool bargello patterned front, with brown velvet collar and trim.
Early 19th century, Unknown (Maker).
LOWELL, (December 7, 2007) –The American Textile History Museum (ATHM) has received a grant of $40,000 from the Henry Luce Foundation to support conservation treatment and mounting of 55 of the approximately 150 clothing and textile objects associated with the redesign and installation of clothing and textiles in its core exhibition, Textiles in America (TIA).
According to ATHM President & CEO James S. Coleman, Textiles in America, which opened in 1997, is being completely redeveloped to improve the visitor experience and to more fully meet the Museum’s mission to tell America’s story through the art, science, and history of textiles.
Curtain panel; blue and white copperplate printed cotton with chinoiserie motifs;
probably inspired by French engraver Jean Pillement. 1774-1811
Unknown (cloth manufacture). United Kingdowm: England
Mr. Coleman said that “TIA’s new design has a broader scope and its presentation will be updated to address three distinct areas. First, the exhibit narrative, which currently stops at about 1900, will continue into the 21st century. Second, the exhibition will be more interactive, providing visitors with a more engaging and exciting experience. And third, the presentation of art and science will be enlarged to better integrate all three aspects of textiles—art, science, and history—in every part of the exhibition.”
ATHM Director of Interpretation Diane Fagan Affleck said that "Clothing and textiles have long been undervalued as an art form. In TIA we will explore ideas about aesthetics through the design and production of textiles, and also examine the rise and development of artistic movements through the changing styles of fabrics and fashion."
ATHM Curator Karen Herbaugh said that “ Since its inception in 1996, ATHM’s clothing collection has fulfilled an important goal by expanding our ability to communicate with visitors about the significance of textiles among the arts and in their everyday lives. The Luce grant will enable us to bring the art and design of textiles and clothing to the forefront in the revised TIA exhibit. More than 5,000 square feet of the 35,000 square-foot exhibition will be devoted specifically to design, and exhibition labels throughout the galleries will highlight art concepts and the interplay of art with science and history. ”
Henry Luce Foundation President Michael Gilligan said “We recognize this project as a valuable contribution to the study of American art, and we are delighted to be able to offer support.”
Carpet bag; flower filled comucopias, based on carpet design not an actual carpet.
1825-1835. Unknown (Maker).
The Henry Luce Foundation has been a leader in American art funding for twenty-five years. It has supported scholarly studies and enhanced awareness at some 250 museums, universities, and service organizations in forty-seven states, the District of Columbia, and internationally in China, England, France, Germany, and Ireland.
The American Textile History Museum collection is the most significant textile history collection in North America, with an extraordinary library and one of the world’s largest and most important publicly held collections of tools, spinning wheels, hand looms and early production machines. The collections include coverlets, household textiles, clothing and accessories, and over five million fabric samples.
The Museum is temporarily closed to the public during renovations, and is expected to have a grand reopening in late Spring 2008. The Administrative offices, Collections department and the Osborne Library remain open by appointment only, and selected school and scout programs are available. Visit the website www.athm.org for up-to-date information, including school and scout offerings and fees.
A $3.9 million Campaign for the American Textile History Museum is now in progress, with $500,000 still needed to complete the Campaign. For information on how to donate or pledge, please contact Marisa Tescione in the development office at 978-441-0400, ext. 246, or visit www.athm.org.
