Recently acquired 20th century Japanese kimono with ikat patterns (TRC 2024.1477).Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, Director, 12 July 2024
The TRC Collection is an essential and important aspect of the work of the TRC – in managerial terms, it is our unique selling point. Details about the individual items in the collection can be found in the online catalogue, while an updated (per 11 July 2024) appraisal with information and highlights about different aspects of the collection can be downloaded here.
Many of the items in the collection have been donated by individuals, groups and museums, and represent Citizen Culture and Heritage actively at work. More details about such donations can be found by browsing through the TRC Blog pages.
Silver ring with a decorated band with a cone holding a green glass circle, and flanked by three glass circles in red and blue. Afghanistan, 20th century (TRC 2024.1027).
Objects in the TRC Collection range in date from 43,000 years old (mammoth hair), to yesterday, and emphasise textile techniques and technology as well as Dress and Identity, namely what people wear and do to their bodies in order to say ‘I am’ or ‘I would like to be’.
The collection currently stands at c. 47,000 objects, which come from many different cultures and ethnic groups around the world. It includes individual textiles, including a collection of rare medieval and later velvets. But the collection also has related equipment and tools (from back-strap looms to tatting shuttles), as well as individual garments and complete outfits. There is also a growing accessories section that includes items such as hats, bags and footwear, as well as traditional jewellery from various groups, such as that worn by nomads and others in Afghanistan.
Silver ring with a wide gilded band with granulated borders, an oval orange stone, and a chain with a bell pendant. Afghanistan, 20th century (TRC 2024.0782).Many of the items in the collection may not be regarded by some as being ‘museum worthy’ (whatever that means), but each item has a different story to tell about how they were made, used and regarded, and that is what we study and show at the TRC: the stories behind the garments and textiles!
The TRC is a knowledge centre, not a conventional museum, and an important aspect of the TRC and its Collection is that we encourage people who are seriously interested in textiles and dress to come and examine the items, look on the inside, take photographs and learn from them, as well as being inspired to find out more details about these and related items.
