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| No photos allowed in the Textile Museum |
I seem destined to pick either “closed” days or times mid-prep for the next exhibition. Damn unlucky, I say! Therefore I was hardly surprised to collect both awards at the Textile Museum in Washington DC.
When I did eventually get a foot in the front door, I was able to see at least, Indian tent hangings, William Morris upholstery linens, Chinese embroideries and American Indian weavings (rugs). I spent most of my time exploring their excellent research area where I was able to give some thought to:
- What gives each textile its own look and personality?
- How are these textiles made?
- What are the influences on the maker?
- What can this textile teach us?
Although meant essentially as a framework to support organised research into world textiles, this context could well be useful for any artist interested in exploring their own motivations, technique and artistic direction.
Luckily, I caught a glimpse of 10 fabulous Ikat coats, part of an upcoming exhibition. Ten has to be better than nothing; and certainly not bad for a spur of the moment visit. Can I live in Washington??
(Just as an aside, and because I quite like historic homes, the Textile Museum is located in the 1908 home of George Hewitt Myers, a renowned rug and textile collector. The house is built in the Colonial Revival style – now weren’t we just considering that….)
