Mannequin with face mask, decorated with Paisley motifs. Photograph by Gillian Vogelsang.We have just been putting up (or rather re-putting up) the TRC’s American Quilts exhibition. It really looks good and has some lovely and intriguing quilts. The exhibition opens on the 2nd June and has been extended until the end of August so you have time to come and see it. The TRC’s visitor’s protocol can be found here. We can only welcome a limited number of visitors at any one time. You are therefore kindly asked to tell us in advance if and when you are coming! (please send us an email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 

We have slightly re-arranged the shop, so that payments by pin (card) can be made from a distance. TRC volunteer Beverley Bennett has also made a series of special face masks for the TRC and these may be borrowed during your visit, should you wish it. The illustration here shows a mannequin wearing one of Beverley's face masks. It is decorated with Paisley motifs, in anticipation of the big TRC exhibition about the Paisley motif (or buteh, in Persian/Indian terms) planned for next year.

Setting up again the American Quilts exhibition at the TRC. Photograph by Gillian Vogelsang.I am very curious about the range, types and styles of face masks people will be making and wearing over the next few weeks/months! It may not surprise you that we are making a small Corona collection for the TRC, which reflects textile happenings during this strange period. This includes, of course, a variety of commercial and domestically made masks, T-shirts with relevant slogans in various languages, and a de-stressing embroidery entitled ‘Be Well 2020’. We are also trying to get some of the designer (Gucci, etc) face masks…. Other ideas, suggestions and, of course, donations of actual objects, would be most welcome.

Gillian Vogelsang, Friday 29th May, 2020.