Textile Treasures
4 January - 21 March 2021
Norwich Castle Museum
Note: Admission is by ticket only, see below.
Norfolk went into Tier 4 Covid restrictions from Boxing Day, and that means that all museums must close. We can keep our fingers crossed that there will be some easing at some point during the planned length of the show, which is due to close on March 21. However if there is not, the exhibition will not be able to take place in the current schedule.
But here is a description of what awaits us behind those locked doors of the Castle...
A celebration of inspiring textiles and their makers, their personal histories, creativity and craft is planned for Norwich Castle Museum.
Textile Treasures presents some of the best-loved textiles in Norwich Castle's nationally-important Costume and Textile collection.
The exhibition, which is supported by the C&TA, showcases local connections and personal histories as told through textiles created to provide comfort, care and self-expression.
It includes extraordinary examples of patchwork, applique, and embroidery. The 30 or so pieces on show combine incredible artistry with emotional resonance which offer an insight into the lives of ordinary people.
And Costume and Textile Association members can feel proud that their money has contributed to the exhibition.
Acquisitions supported by the C&TA include the Lorina Bulwer embroideries featured in Textile Treasures, and conservation of the Brereton Tester was also supported by a grant from the Costume and Textile Association.
Read more about our donations over the last 30 years.
4 January - 21 March 2021
Norwich Castle Museum
Note: Admission is by ticket only, see below.
Norfolk went into Tier 4 Covid restrictions from Boxing Day, and that means that all museums must close. We can keep our fingers crossed that there will be some easing at some point during the planned length of the show, which is due to close on March 21. However if there is not, the exhibition will not be able to take place in the current schedule.
But here is a description of what awaits us behind those locked doors of the Castle...
A celebration of inspiring textiles and their makers, their personal histories, creativity and craft is planned for Norwich Castle Museum.
Textile Treasures presents some of the best-loved textiles in Norwich Castle's nationally-important Costume and Textile collection.
The exhibition, which is supported by the C&TA, showcases local connections and personal histories as told through textiles created to provide comfort, care and self-expression.
It includes extraordinary examples of patchwork, applique, and embroidery. The 30 or so pieces on show combine incredible artistry with emotional resonance which offer an insight into the lives of ordinary people.
And Costume and Textile Association members can feel proud that their money has contributed to the exhibition.
Acquisitions supported by the C&TA include the Lorina Bulwer embroideries featured in Textile Treasures, and conservation of the Brereton Tester was also supported by a grant from the Costume and Textile Association.
Read more about our donations over the last 30 years.
Exhibition highlights include:
The textiles are presented on open display, not behind glass, offering visitors a uniquely intimate view of pieces which are not usually on show to the public. With themes of collaborative creativity, gift-giving, recycling, friendship, family and love, the exhibition is even more relevant after the experiences of the past year.
Textile Treasures is supported by the Costume & Textile Association which exists to support Norfolk Museum Service's unique costume and textile collection. Over the last three decades Costume and Textile Association members have contributed more than £100,000 to enable the Norfolk Museums Service to extend and improve its costume and textile collection.
- > Lorina Bulwer's embroidered letters (left): made over a century ago by a resident of Great Yarmouth Workhouse, these textiles take the form of a long, detailed and frequently angry narrative about her life and the people surrounding her. Every word has been hand-stitched onto a patchwork of fabrics and provides a unique glimpse into the life of their maker.
- > The Bellamy Quilt (above), a stunning appliqué and embroidered bedcover created by a Great Yarmouth couple during their engagement in 1890-91.
- Read curator Ruth Battersby-Tooke's account of the making of the quilt on the Norwich Castle blog
- > The Brereton Tester panel, the ceiling of a four-poster bed-hangings set made by a local woman, Anna Margaretta Brereton, between 1801 and 1805 while grieving after the death of her son.
- > 'The Duvet of Love' (pictured below) by David Shenton, a mosaic of badges attached to a double duvet cover to create an image of two male figures embracing.
- Read curator Ruth Battersby-Tooke's description of the Duvet of Love on the Norwich Castle blog (Please note - this was written in February 2020 - exhibition dates are not correct)
- > The Marsham Quilt, a recent donation to the collection and a beautiful example of a quilt made of recycled textiles, stitched by two sisters in domestic service in London for their Norfolk family of six nieces and nephews.
The textiles are presented on open display, not behind glass, offering visitors a uniquely intimate view of pieces which are not usually on show to the public. With themes of collaborative creativity, gift-giving, recycling, friendship, family and love, the exhibition is even more relevant after the experiences of the past year.
Textile Treasures is supported by the Costume & Textile Association which exists to support Norfolk Museum Service's unique costume and textile collection. Over the last three decades Costume and Textile Association members have contributed more than £100,000 to enable the Norfolk Museums Service to extend and improve its costume and textile collection.
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Visiting information (provided by Norfolk Museums Service)
How to book: Entry to the Norwich Castle temporary exhibitions is free with museum admission. Entry will be by advance booking only. Tickets must be pre-booked online. No tickets will be available on the door. C&TA members get free admission to the museum, but you must still pre-book a ticket. As you go through the online booking procedure you will have the chance to put in that you are a C&TA member to get the free ticket. You will also need to take your membership card with you to the museum. Please note: As Norfolk is now in Tier 2, there are changes in how members of the public can visit the museums, specifically with regard to the 'Rule of 6' which does not apply to indoor settings in Tier 2 areas. This means people should only visit our museums with those they live with or with whom they are in a support bubble. NHS Test and Trace: For the safety of staff and visitors NMS is required by the government to collect contact information for all visitors. Anyone in a group who is covered by a Museums Pass but does not live at the address shown on the pass, will be asked for their name and phone number. Facilities information: Toilets will be available. The café and shop will be closed. For further information on how Norfolk Museums Service is keeping visitors and staff safe, visit: www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/norfolk-museums-coronavirus-information |
Above: David Shenton's Duvet of Love
Share your view of the show
When you have been to the exhibition, why not share your views with fellow members? Review the exhibition (briefly) or tell us which is your favourite piece and why, and we'll publish a selection here. Email celiasutton53@gmail.com Please let us know if you want your contribution to be used anonymously. |