The Textile Working Group [Archived]
The Textile Working Group was active between 2019 – 2024, it promoted the study of historical textiles. It provided opportunities for technical examination of textiles and a place to exchange ideas about approaches to textile research in academic study.
The fragility and complexity of textile material made this a difficult field for research. Textile studies have been side-lined or set apart from broader art historical practices; however, there is a growing outside interest in the medium today. Given The Courtauld’s history in British textile manufacture, this group hoped to re-establish the institute’s connection to textiles and be a part of the growing movement in textile study today. Our goal was to share knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of textile media through the study of objects, technical workshops, and discussion with experts in this field.
Activities
Activities were organised by a team of Courtauld Doctoral students who researched textiles (Jessica Gasson, Carole Nataf, Jordan Quill, Margaret Squires and Julia van Zandvoort). Membership was open to faculty and postgraduate students, early-career academics and early career art world professionals with an interest in textiles.
