We have just shut the TRC doors on a very successful book sale at B6, our new home!
We have been working hard for the last few weeks to get hundreds of books, magazines, leaflets, etc., sorted according to subject matter – embroidery, woven, printed, knitted, quilts, general history, etc., not to mention prices. These were then put into boxes and organised on a variety of themes in the main gallery. We had hoped to hold the book sale in the garden, but the weather was not very helpful – rain clouds and strong winds all day long.
The sale officially started at 10.00 but people were arriving from 09.30 onwards, and the first purchases took place at 09.45. From 10.00 until 14.00, there was a constant flow of visitors to search for interesting books and items, as well as for inspiration. Then it gradually slowed down and the last sales were made just after 15.00.
Not just about books
But the day was not just about selling books, it was also intended as an opportunity for people to come and see the new home of the TRC and to talk with colleagues about what we are doing and plan to do, as well as to see the TRC’s current exhibition about appliqué textiles (khayamiya) from Egypt.
Some people heard about the sale from the TRC Blog, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Some heard from friends, while others read about it from the recent article in the local newspaper, the Leidsch Dagblad.
Many people came from the Leiden region, but others came from Amsterdam, Breda, and even Maastricht to see and talk with us. Indeed there were several people who came from Germany and Belgium. All came with the idea of buying books and satisfying their curiosity. There were also various former TRC volunteers and students who wanted to catch up with the latest TRC happenings, especially with respect to B6.
The annual TRC second-hand textile book sale, 13 June 2026.
Nearly 100 people came, and yes, many of whom also asked questions about the TRC! They ranged from fashion and art students to former textile teachers, and the partners of people who are passionate about textile (obsessed some would say, not that we understand such a thing). There was also one elderly lady who used to live opposite in the Boerhaavelaan, while another visitor lives on the other side of our back garden! Both wanted to see the inside of the house and relive experiences and memories.
Augusta, Willem and myself took various groups of people around B6 and explained the history and future plans for this amazing building. We also had the chance to tell people about our next big project, namely the building of the storage annexe. Many promised to spread the word. We also discussed our plans for a textile garden with fibre plants, dye plants, and plants linked to the further decoration of textiles. In addition, some other people came to ask if they could use the TRC’s new garden for photo shoots, bring friends to visit, or to arrange group visits of colleagues or students. Interesting ideas and work for the future.
Money raised
Over 300 items were sold, which raised nearly €1,000. So what are we going to do with this money? Well, the collection is in need of special rollers for storing various textiles, as well as suitable acid-free boxes and some large plastic boxes. So the money raised today will go directly towards these items. A fitting use for the funds raised by the book sale and for everyone’s hard work.
I would like to say a big ‘Thank you’ to everyone who helped organise the book sale and provided a warm welcome to all our visitors. We are already planning more events of this type, so keep an eye on the TRC News, Instagram, Facebook, etc. But in any case, we already want to welcome you to the next annual TRC book sale, sometime in the early summer of 2027.
