Step back in time at Tarleton’s historical garment exhibit
Jan. 9, 2009
STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS—Something as simple as a piece of clothing can transport viewers to another place and time.
Historical garments reveal stories from the past and shed light on a different way of life.
“Stitches in Time: Tarleton’s Historical Fashion Collection” opens Mon., Jan. 12, at Tarleton State University’s Clyde H. Wells Fine Art Center Gallery.
The exhibit features historical garments from the 1850s to the 1910s and appeal to historians as well as theatergoers and antiques lovers.
Jenny Saxton, faculty member at Tarrant County Community College and former visiting assistant professor at Tarleton, and Minsu Kim, assistant professor of human sciences at Tarleton who specializes in clothing and textiles, will provide their expertise on the subject of historical clothing.
Tarleton owns the collection of hundreds of garments, which were donated during the years by family members of the people who wore the clothing. When not on exhibit, the garments are stored in acid-free textile boxes for preservation.
The fabric is so delicate that Saxton and Kim wore gloves when handling the clothing to protect it from oils in the skin that could damage the garments.
One of the most distinct aspects of Tarleton’s collection is that it features common, everyday clothing.
“You see a lot of wedding dresses, but it is rare to find common clothes,” Saxton said. “Decorative clothing would more likely be preserved, but not everyday clothing.”
One piece on display is a simple blue dress with a white accent. Complementing the dress is a tan, worn-thin apron speckled with stains.
“People would wear their everyday clothing until it wore out, and then they would cut it up and use it for other purposes,” Kim said. “For the material to have survived this long is amazing.”
Also in the collection is a formal long-sleeve black dress with accents of white and blue. A bright red bodice on the dress is enhanced with a lace overlay.
From simple dresses and smoking jackets to ornate beading and lacework, the exhibit lets viewers witness first-hand the history of the materials, the variety in the designs and the skillfulness of their execution.
“Stitches in Time” runs from Jan. 12 to Feb. 6. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is free and open to the public. For more information, log on to www.tarleton.edu/~fineartcenter or call (254) 968-9291.
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Originally posted 2009-04-18 20:51:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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