We have just had the August 2021 TRC Intensive Textile Course, and as usual it was intense, inspiring, filled with lots of information and practical elements, but fun at the same time with the chance for the participants, and me, to exchange a wide range of experiences.
Mapula embroidery from South Africa, depicting the funeral of Nelson Mandela.
Slowly things are getting better here in Europe as the corona pandemic gradually recedes - the range of people who attended this course speaks to these changes. We had participants from Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Indonesia (but living in Germany), as well as the Netherlands. Occupations and backgrounds ranged from a business advisor, environmental engineer, PhD student, teacher and a retired woman with a wealth of textile experience, all of whom shared a love and curiosity about textile skills, uses and history.
During the week we were also visited by José Vermeij and her sister. José is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and is actively involved in an embroidery group called Mapula. We have been in contact for several months talking about the Encyclopedia of Sub-Saharan Embroidery, about the Mapula group and about the making of a small exhibition about the history of Mapula embroideries. José gave the participants an impromptu talk about Mapula and the stories and people behind the embroideries.
José brought a selection of the embroideries, some of which the TRC has bought for the Encyclopaedia and the exhibition. Other examples will be on sale during the exhibition that will take place in January - February 2022 at the TRC Gallery.
Over the next few days we will be publishing photographs and thoughts about the Intensive Course from various participants. But one thing that was apparent is that the diversity, breadth and depth of the TRC Collection was of great importance.
We were able to show and talk about all sorts of textiles that the participants could see and examine. Literally from pharaonic Egyptian mummy cloth, via Renaissance period velvets to 20th century Czech embroideries.
The next two intensive textile courses are in October and November 2021, and four (possibly five) are planned for 2022.
More details can be found here. If you are interested in attending one of the courses, then please contact the TRC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gillian Vogelsang, 28 August 2021
