The Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection on the UW-Madison campus launched a blog by Diana Zlatanovski, associate curator and collections manager, earlier this summer. The aim of the blog is to document packing up and moving the 13,000-piece collection to an off-site location while the building where it normally lives undergoes a major transformation. That's an old campus facility where I took most of the classes for my Masters degree and thus has a special place in my heart — though I am greatly looking forward to it moving into the 21st century.
The move of the HLATC is a temporary relocation during the building project, but it is a major undertaking nevertheless. And it is fascinating to watch. The blog has tidbits about different textiles in the collection, but even more interesting to see is all the creative thinking involved in a project like this. My favorite post showed them packing an embroidered silk shawl with long fringe on all four sides ( a close-up of the stitching below). If you are a fiberista, then you'll also appreciate this beaded Victorian bell pull (above), whose juxtaposition of sharp, raised metal and beading made it another piece in the collection that required a unique packing solution.
Following the blog gives you a behind-the-scenes peek at how a museum cares for its collections. Makes me realize my clothes — as well as my antique and ethnic textiles — are not being stored at home as well as they might be. I've got things wrapped in acid free tissue, but reading these posts makes me realize what a novice I am.
Blogger Diana Zlatanovski ponders packing up the HLATC for temporary storage while it awaits its new home.
MADISON MEMO: If you live in the area, there are two September events sponsored by the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection that may be of interest.
Sunday, Sept. 20
8th Annual HLATC Membership Meeting at the University of Madison Foundation (1848 University Ave., free on-site parking)
"BOHUS STICKNING: Hand Knitting, Haute Couture and Social Justice" by Susanna Hansson
Bohus Stickning is a Swedish cottage industry started in the 1930s during the Depression. To make some money for their families, women started knitting socks and toy animals, then moved on to create sweaters.
2:00 p.m. Welcome, introductory remarks and light refreshments
2:15 p.m. Bohus Stickning presentation: documentary film/illustrated lecture/Q&A
3:30-4:00 p.m. Examination of vintage sweaters and informal conversations
Susanna Hansson is a teacher and collector who originally learned to knit in her native Sweden. Color, technique, history and culture in the context of knitting all interest her. Hansson’s own collection of vintage couture Bohus Stickning garments was recently exhibited at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis.
Space is limited. Reservations are required before Monday, September 14.
RSVP: susan.owen@uwfoundation.wisc.edu or call Susan at 608-262-1472.
The Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection at UW-Madison is housed in this great old building.
Sunday, September 27
2:00-4:00 p.m., Shorewood Hills
Last spring, HLATC began an ongoing series of discussions of textile-and costume-related books. This program is a requested repeat of the book discussion: "The Afghan Amulet."
The book details embroidery scholar Sheila Paine's account of "her adventures on the trail of an elusive motif, The Afghan Amulet. Her quest takes her to some of the more remote parts of western Asia, where she chronicles her encounters with both the region's legendary hospitality and its equally famed hostility," according to an email I received from HLATC curator, Maya Lea.
Lea will lead the discussion and show some related images. She notes that the earlier event was enriched by relevant pieces that people brought from their own collections and that participants should read the book in advance and come ready to share their responses.
Advance registration requested by e-mailing hlatc@mail.sohe.wisc.edu (address and additional information will be sent to registered participants since this event is taking place in a private home).
Textile photos courtesy the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection at UW-Madison.
