The textile collection is in the process of being catalogued… at a distance.
The collection, currently housed upstairs in the Regent Theatre in Māwhera Greymouth, is making its way gradually into the new studios. It is an ideal time to catalogue the pieces. Each one is photographed back and front, and then details are also photographed if they are noteworthy – horn buttons or a unique label, for example.
The task of actually cataloguing the collection is daunting but, thanks to a volunteer, Karen, who lives half a world away in Canada, and the internet, that task has gotten easier. The photographs are emailed over to North America along with whatever information there is on the piece in question. Our researcher looks out extra information, summarises it and sends all that information back, along with the internet links.
The first example in the catalogue is a Cowichan Sweater from Vancouver Island. There is a fascinating history to these garments, including a strong link with Shetland. Without the help of our intrepid researcher we would not have all the information about this piece, nor the Shetland connection.
The whole collection will eventually go online. It takes time and we have only just begun the process. At the moment there are two – shortly to be three – entries and you can see them here. To use the catalogue, click on an image and the link will take readers to the summary page and internet links.
If readers have any suggestions about the catalogue please get in touch. Help and advice is always appreciated.
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