There are lots of things happening at the moment at the TRC, including preparing for some very, very big changes. As readers of the TRC Blog and Newsletter will know we have been working with various groups to move the TRC to larger premises so we can expand our range of activities, collection and teaching commitments as an international centre (hub!) for textile knowledge and skills in all their diverse forms.

Yes: We hope to move soon. Showcases are being emptied.Leiden: City of Textile Knowledge

Leiden Council is actively helping us on many levels – they really want us to expand as a knowledge centre, serving an international community of textile lovers who want to pass onto the next generation(s) skills and knowledge about this fundamental aspect of human life and culture. With the Council's help, we are talking with various school groups, Leiden University, etc., about increasing the teaching of textiles and dress studies and making the TRC Collection, Library and research facilities more widely known and available, also online (compare the recent blog about 360-photography of TRC items).

There will also be an expanded number of workshops, courses, study days, weekend events and lectures. We are talking, for example, with various potential teachers to offer an increased range of subjects, from ancient Egyptian textiles to a history of jewellery.

In addition, a range of exhibitions that vary in size, from a single showcase to two large rooms are planned. These will be used to show the range, size and diversity of both the world of textiles and dress as well as the TRC’s amazing collection.

Changes of the TRC Board

We are also re-organising the TRC Board. We recently welcomed the internationally renowned Fashion Designer and Creative Director, Clare Waight Keller to the Board. She shares with us the certainty that an important element of the study of textiles and dress is a thorough knowledge of the materials and techniques involved. We are sure she will be of great help in promoting the TRC and 'Leiden: The City of Textile Knowledge.'

We are furthermore looking at other in-house changes. There will soon be a call going out for more volunteers to help with the many aspects of our work, from the depot to greeting guests.

But how are we going to find the space and pay for all of this?

These are two very basic and important questions! As part of the changes that are taking place, we have just signed an agreement with a patron who has very kindly agreed to cover some of the moving costs, as well as to pay for four salaried positions for three years. More about this incredibly generous offer in a forthcoming blog.

And boxes are being filled.In addition, we have been working with The National Monuments Organization: Monumentenbezit and Leiden Council about a very attractive and dignified urban villa that it is in easy walking distance from Leiden Centraal Station. We have not yet formally signed a contract for renting the building, but a few days ago we were told that all being well we should get the keys to our new home in September!

Working on the principle that all will be well (keep your fingers crossed!), we have already started the process of emptying cupboards and shelves, boxing the library and admin files, as well as taking to recycling unnecessary items (where did all these stands, pieces of card, wood and plastic bags come from?). We are also talking with computer specialists, lawyers, accountants, insurance brokers, movers, builders, etc. And of course, in the midst of all this, at the end of August we run the internationally renowend five-day Intensive Textile Course, with participants from all over the place. Keep breathing!

We hope to move in September and gently opening our doors again in October! More to follow.

A donation, small or large, to the TRC Moving Fund would be very welcome!

Moving, renovating and refurbishing the ‘new’ TRC is not going to be cheap. We estimate it will cost about 250,000 euros to do everything we want to do. The good news is that we have an initial 120,000 euros from the patron to cover the basic costs. But as you will understand, the more ‘outside’ funding we can raise the better.

So we are now looking for funding for various, immediate needs connected to the building, including a photographic studio (7,500 euros), exhibition equipment and showcases (10,000 euros), a basic textile laboratory (15,000 euros), a new computer system (25,000 euros), and even a new annex for the TRC Library (75,000 euros).

Any help you can give towards these and other ‘projects’ and funding requirements would be greatly appreciated. It does not matter whether it is 5 euros or 5,000 euros, everything will help!

Donations can be made directly to the TRC account NL39 INGB 000 298 2359 or by pressing the ideal button. The TRC is a Culturele ANBI so donations are tax deductible for Dutch tax payers (up to 125% for individuals, and up to 150% for commercial companies), and some European tax payers. For more information, click here

International donations can be made by bank transfer using the following details: Bank account number (IBAN) NL39 INGB 000 298 2359, in the name of the Stichting Textile Research Centre. The BIC code is: INGBNL2A.

American tax payers can donate via Myriad USA and use Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) of the IRC for tax-deductible donations to non-profit organisations. More details can be found by pressing this link.

We are planning on having a New Year party to celebrate the move and establishment of the ‘new’ TRC. Everyone will be most welcome and donors will get an extra glass of champagne and a guided tour of the building!