21 May 2004

'Textile Treasures' uncovered

Photo opportunity: 5.15pm, Monday 24 May, Lamb Gallery, First Floor, Tower Building, University of Dundee

The public can see there is a lot more to textiles in Dundee than jute at 'Textile Treasures', an exhibition from the University of Dundee's Archive and Museum Services. With Transylvanian pillows on display, the exhibition opens in the University's Tower Building on Monday 24 May at 5.00pm.

Textile pieces from students of the University's Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design will be on show along with embroidery highlights from the University's Needlework Development Scheme. The collection pieces have been gathered from all over the world and visitors will have the opportunity see Chinese silk, Indian paisley, Swedish tea cosies and even Transylvanian pillows.

Visitors will also have the chance to view exhibits from the one of the largest collections of archives relating to the textile industry in the world. The University’s collection includes minute books, reports, production statistics and financial records revealing the unique environment in which the Dundee textiles trade flourished and declined.

The exhibition ties in with the launch of a new Scottish Textile Heritage Online website that aims to create a searchable web database of all Scottish textile collections. The website is available at www.scottishtextiles.co.uk

The exhibition is open until 19 June, Monday - Friday 9.30am - 8.30pm and Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm.

For further information on the exhibition please contact Matthew Jarron on 01382 344310.

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk