Embroidered postcard from France, early 20th century (TRC 2015.0435).Exactly thirty years ago, on 19th December 1991, the Textile Research Centre (TRC), Leiden, was officially established as a Stichting (Foundation) under Dutch law.
We had planned to have a party since we felt that this significant milestone should be noted and celebrated, but due to the corona crisis, this has had to be postponed.
From the beginning the TRC has been an educational centre with an emphasis on the passing on of knowledge about textile techniques and the concept of dress identity. Throughout the years we have stressed the importance of textile crafts and artisanship. We have also been involved with many different cultures and groups. Our extensive collection (now some 37,000 objects, most of which are accessible online) from around the world and from all ages is continually used in the many workshops and courses that the TRC is organising. Textiles should not only be seen, but also be touched, smelled and even listened to!
The creation of the TRC in 1991 was actively supported by the National Museum of Ethnology (RMV) and the National Museum of Antiquities (ROM), both in Leiden. In fact we were generously housed in the Ethnology Museum between 1991 and 2009, when we decided it was time to move to new premises. These were found in the middle of the old city, at the Hogewoerd 164. A wonderful place that has given us time to breath, think and yes, expand, and which has become a true beehive of activities, and, in the words of one our recent visitors, a textile valhalla.
And those of you who know us, are very much aware that in the last few years we have rapidly expanded, especially with the TRC Collection, the library and our wide range of teaching activities. In this respect I am very pleased to announce that the two major donations that were the subject of our recent and very successful fundraising campaign are definitely coming to Leiden – in fact one of them, a large collection of mainly East European textiles, is now in the hands of the shippers and will arrive in Leiden, from Arizona in the USA, in February! The other large collection, also predominantly garments from East and Southeast Europe, will be transported from Paris in various stages, starting in late January.
These and other objects that have been acquired or given to the TRC mean that Leiden is now the home of one of the most diverse and interesting textile and dress collections in Western Europe (and probably elsewhere as well….). Something that we and Leiden can be proud of.
Many thanks to all of you who have supported us over the last thirty years. And now it is time to find new premises and support for the next thirty plus years!
Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, Director TRC
