In a message dated 1/28/04 12:45:08 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> The seller was in Richmond, *not* the buyer. For those who don't know, > the Valentine is in Richmond... > > There used to be lacemakers in Richmond and around Richmond. Back in the > 80s, they hosted a Chesapeake Regional Lace Day in Richmond Above correspondence was about the expensive WWI bobbin. I've changed the subject line and provide information about the Valentine below: Dear Lacemakers, To de-mystify for our readers in other nations - Valentine is a family's name - given to a lovely house/museum in the center of Richmond, Virginia. It has nothing to do with February 14th - Valentine's Day. This museum, at one time housed the largest collection of historic costumes in the American South. It sponsored wonderful Valentine Assemblies - week-long embroidery seminars that drew teachers and stitchers from far and wide. At that time, I belonged and attended. However, suddenly it was under new direction and Valentine Museum publications hardly mentioned their costume and needlework collections. About a year ago, I did a Valentine Museum Google search and found little or nothing about these textile collections. They may still be there. But are they appreciated? This is a classic example of what can happen when people put their faith in a historic facility/organization that can be easily re-directed in focus. That is why, when I wrote about our need of a lace and embroidery museum in America last year, I said something about it needing to be independent of an existing historic house, museum, school, government facility, etc. In every case where lace masterpieces have been housed, there is something that comes along in terms of leadership or funding that makes it difficult or impossible for the public to have access to the wonders wrought by the people who came before us (mostly female). I know people have the best intentions in supporting such collections that document an aspect of life before our time, but eventually ... there is disappointment. Sadly, sometimes these collections are de-accessioned. That is, the items are sent to auction. There is a need for belief in preserving our history in this respect, followed by commitment and financing. Alas, I can say it often - but one person cannot make it happen. Such endeavors require generous endowments, gifts of time and expertise, and professional museum personnel. In the meantime, we can visit our newest multi-million dollar war or space museum and become transfixed by the vision of an exquisite helicopter, paid for with our tax $. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
