There was an international press conference this morning in Leiden to present the official programme of Leiden: European City of Science 2022. The press conference was organised to present and discuss this prestigious event and what it will involve for Leiden.
The main theme of Leiden: City of Science 2022 is Curiosity, with the idea that people will attend the many planned events from a feeling of interest and the desire to learn more. Many different groups and institutes are involved, ranging from Leiden University, scientific and technical institutes and companies, the many Leiden-based museums, as well as a range of cultural and social groups, And of course, the TRC is part of the programme!
There are many sub-themes. Every day, for all 365 days of 2022. Each day a different topic will be explored within the wider world of science, society, art, culture and artisanship. Some of these topics are obvious – atmosphere, stone, virus, drones, even beer. Others are less so, such as quiz, rendez-vous, and co-operation, but all the more stimulating for being not so obvious.
Model hat made by Hendrik Visser for his journeyman's exam in Leiden, 1796 (TRC 2010.0056).
We are involved in at least three days, STOF (textile, dust), MODE (fashion, clothing), and SCHORT (apron). We will be doing workshops, hand-on events, presenting historical details, and setting up mini-exhibitions on these themes. More details about these days will be coming soon.
Detail of a woollen blanket produced in Leiden in the 1950s. The label reads: "LEIDSE DEKEN Van Wijk GEGARANDEERD 100% ZUIVERSCHEERWOL" and "ANNO 1795 HOLLAND 100% VIRGIN WOOL VAN WIJK LEIDEN" (TRC 2021.2915).In addition we are planning an extensive series of workshops and lectures throughout 2022, including the Sunday Textile Talks, with informal lectures on different aspects of textiles and clothing, thereby giving people a chance to see the current large TRC exhibition ('The World of Ikat'), as well as small pop-up displays (for instance on the theme of historical Leiden textiles, with actual examples of cloth produced in Leiden, or on the wardrobe of Tutankhamun, with replica garments), Q&A day(s), book fairs, and chances to talk with specialists about a variety of subjects, such as fibres, spinning, weaving, quilting, embroidery, etc.
In addition, at the beginning of September there will be special TRC week of textile techniques, literally everyday a presentation and workshop on a different technique.
Leiden: City of Science 2022 entails various key-words and phrases, such as: Who knows?; Knowledge; Leiden; Inspiration; Amazement; Science and society; Crossing boundaries; Resilient societies; Dare to ask!
And the TRC relates to them all.
Gillian Vogelsang, 10 November 2021
