In a message dated 6/13/03 6:05:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< Hi Jeri, It suddenly struck me that I don't have the faintest idea what the Lace and Embroidery Resource Center is. Please enlighten me. Thanks, Patty Dowden >> ------------- Dear Patty (and Toni) and Lacemakers in the U.S.: For too long, I've not had the courage to share this subject with Arachne. But, I'm getting older and some "systems" are not what they once were. In a controlled panic, because my energy level is slowing down - here is your answer. Long, but not *all the little details*. What is the Lace and Embroidery Resource Center? You will see the answer is simple. The reasons are complicated. Answer: Books directly related to lace and embroidery, and others that support the subject of lace and embroidery -- two very fine arts that are often married to each other in the same object of textile art, and are not adequately explained in museum exhibitions or study collections. There are 3,000+ books on my library shelves devoted to the subjects of lace, embroidery, costumes, textiles, quilting that includes lace and/or embroidery, history of women connected to textile arts, how to teach, conservation and restoration, sewing, color theory, interior decorating that uses lace and embroidery, antiques. There are also books referred to in the bibliographies of these books -- making it easier to find original sources. There is even a complete 19th C. Encyclopedia Britannica so that if one is reading an antique book, it is possible to go back to a reference of that time. In addition, there are complete collections of the magazines of some of our lace and embroidery organizations, and partial collections of others. In the category of "lace" there are over 500 book titles. Reasons: Perhaps you will think this resource was built so it could be auctioned off by my estate? Or, so I could sit down to read a different book each day of the year? It was built so that if my ideas of what we should have in America came to be, it could be donated to further the understanding of lace and embroidery - and women. Maybe 3 years ago, I wrote to Arachne and asked if anyone was interested in a lace resource center in the US. That was a gentle "feeler". There were less than 10 responses from a list of about 1,000. My question was about one paragraph long (a dear friend said you would delete a long posting). I thought there would be many questions. But, since little interest was expressed, why would I go on to explain the larger concept? Each responder wanted such a place within a short driving distance of her home! In a country the size of the US! My habits are to think big, and think ahead! I have made lists of ideas over a 25-year period. I am thinking of a *fully-dedicated-to-lace-and-embroidery* International Museum of Lace and Embroidery in the US! At least the size and scope of the American Textile History Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts. I have always thought it should be located within 25 miles of Interstate 95 (which runs North-South on the Eastern Seaboard). Over time, I've concentrated on thinking of the area south of Philadelphia -- Pennsylvania or Delaware - not an inner-city area, but one that might be called suburban. This would be near an international airport, and other complimentary museums and schools that are training young people in the textile arts and museum sciences. There are alternate entertainment possibilities in the area for men and children, so they can go their way for the day and people interested in lace and embroidery can come our way. There are accommodations in the area to suit pocketbooks of varying sizes. I have discussed this at length with people in a position to be interested, some of whom you would recognize by name - and (think about it) these discussions began about 25 years ago! Lots of good wishes and encouraging words, but... Am I to conclude that I am the only one who would financially support such an ambitious project? It may be distasteful to discuss, but millions of dollars are needed to fund such a facility. Women must think big on this one. Our country has been a magnet for people from all nations. We have no one large public place where the laces and embroideries they have brought with them can be studied and compared to get a better grip on the history of women as told through lace and embroidery. You will remember one of my memories - of how Joan Edwards taught me to "read the story" a sampler was telling. Other textile artifacts tell stories, too - the symbolism has meaning, the purpose of the article has meaning, the materials used have meaning, etc. To the few men on this list: I acknowledge you and the men who have made contributions to lace in the present and past. You know, as do I, that on this subject it is primarily women who need to support the idea, or it is not going to be. Individual lace and embroidery programs that exist or are in planning stages are wonderful, and need our continuing support. Imagine the comprehensive data base that could be developed for them to tap into! Wow! What I fear is that someone will do a partial job of a large idea. To make a International Lace and Embroidery Museum an appendage of an existing historic site, museum, educational facility, or government department would be to make a step-child of it. It would not have the top priority of lace and embroidery, and would be subjected to the whims of each new administration that came along. There are specific instances where this has already happened to some collections. The Mission Statement and agreements must be very clear and protective. In about 5 years, I will begin to disembowel the library - it will be too large a job for the executor of my estate. Once that is done, the comprehensiveness of the whole will be lost, and someone else can dream about saving this segment of womens' history. I hope that imagined person has the wealth of a Sir William Burrell (Glasgow) or a Henry F. du Pont (Winterthur, US), because it will be less complicated than getting many people to agree. Why is it so difficult for women to do more than listen to the logic that the best that women have created should be brought together to be studied as a whole - in a public space that is open to all? A true international collection! It would be like no other! Museum creation is not something I am qualified to do. Professionals are needed to move this along: People with Museum Science, Legal, Accounting, Investing, Property Management, Grant Proposal Writing, Community and Government Relations, Public Relations, "important connections" and other *expertise* are needed. Would you consider organizing to help this cause? I invite your questions and a lively discussion! Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED]
