Fireworks, please!!!!! Not a recent peep from Arachne members located in the U.K. about the October 8, 2013 reopening of the V&A's textile and fashion collections. This correspondent was reminded about this grand event by a British embroidery magazine. Much of what is shared below comes from this source. The entire collection of over 104-thousand objects of Textiles and Fashions has been installed in brand new facilities at The Clothworkers' Centre, Blythe House, 43 Blythe Road, London W14 0QX. Upon arrival at the grand entrance of Blythe House, a new reception space is lined with floor-to-ceiling glass cabinets, where a changing exhibit will be presented. The public study room is designed to be a relaxed paradise where visitors may pore over textiles large and small with the assistance of the staff and an array of reference books. An antique wooden display cabinet from the former Textiles Gallery has been restored with funds from Coats and is in this area. It contains over 150 framed textiles illustrating the range of the entire collection. The staff now has 500 metres of hanging space and 7,000 drawers for storage. This is also the home of the V&A's Textile Conservation Department. The main museum will continue to display textiles and fashions in temporary exhibitions and the permanent galleries. Appointments are not required at the main museum. Admission to the Clothworkers' Centre is free but *strictly by appointment only*. Group and individual visit bookings are being taken for groups and individuals. Public tours will take place on the last Friday every month, with *prior booking essential*. Book via e-mail to [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) , telephone 020-7942-2682 (per embroidery magazine, so hopefully an accurate number). Now, to the really BIG resource - enabling all our Arachnes to see a vast amount without expending large funds on travel, lodging and meals in a major city: Do a internet search for more information in the coming days. Explore to your heart's content at http://www.vam.ac.uk/page/c/clothworkers-centre/ This reviewer has looked at all the presented options at the above location. When you select Textiles (blue gown), that is a good page on which to enter "LACE" in the search box. You will bring up 75 search results, and each one is going to take time to read and enjoy. I printed this list, and then began systematically studying each option. This is probably the only way to maintain some semblance of order and personal sanity! You are all going to love-love-love this resource. It is Merry-and-Happy-every-holiday-you-can-imagine. Please share with your local lace groups before the rest of the world gets in line for appointments. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center
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