Who Are You Wearing?
From the 18th century to yesterday, we can tell the history of the region through the clothing we have worn and the other textiles that are a part of our daily lives.
Who Are You Wearing?
It’s a difficult (and easy) question for the Valentine. We have an answer as long as Richmond’s history. From the 18th century to yesterday, we can tell the history of the region through the clothing we have worn and the other textiles that are a part of our daily lives.
It’s quilts. It’s couture. It’s Robert E. Lee’s boots!
At long last, with the opening of the Klaus and Reynolds Costume and Textile Galleries in May of next year, we are creating a new runway for the history of Richmond fashion.
The Valentine’s costume and textile collection is recognized as one of the largest and most significant in the United States.
The new galleries will allow us to spotlight (probably a bad word because of the damage to textiles from too much light exposure) one of the Valentine’s signature collections.
In addition to the building projects associated with our campaign, we are also building our endowment. I am pleased to announce that we will begin recruitment for the new Nathalie L. Klaus Curator of Costumes and Textiles this week. This new curator’s first task will be to create the inaugural exhibition in our new galleries.
I have included a few renderings of these galleries that are located on the lower level.
With our renovations, we will finally be able to answer the question…who have Richmonders been wearing?
Are you curious about our progress? Join us for one of our Hard Hat Happy Hours that occur everyWednesday from 4:30-6:00 p.m.You can contact me for more information or RSVP online and let me know you’ll be coming by.
If you would like to help keep us calm and hammering on, you can support the History Center on our secure donation page at /give.
-Bill Martin, Director
