Spring 2012 - Dress and Textile Specialists

themed videos integrating object-based research, the development of web-based information with
the ultimate goal of e-learning and podcasts, training sessions on fibres and fabrics and research into
the collection’s history. Understanding and learning from this process would facilitate new ways of
exploring the collection and, ultimately, enhance interpretation for the benefit of visitors. These
goals including contributing to the development of a ‘Learning Journey’ for the My Learning website,
fibre and fabric training sessions, fact packs and a guide for museum visitors to textiles and dress in
the museum. An article on the history of the collection in an academic journal is being developed to
capture the outcomes of the project for a different audience. This was a busy and ambitious project
and we were fortunate in being successful in an application for a full extension of a further 50 days.
‘Talking Textiles’ videos
A series of informal videos were made recording object based ‘collections conversations’ about the
specific parts of the dress and textiles collection. The objective of making the videos was three-fold:
To disseminate information about the dress and textile collection to a wider nonvisitor
group in an exciting and innovative manner using the web
To engage with staff from the then History and the Learning Teams who did not
normally work with the textile and dress collection with aim of:
o enriching their understanding of the collection through detailed discussion
of specific items in the collection (object-based learning methodology)
o enhance understanding of the potential of the collection and ways of using
it in interpretation, education and learning
o
o
raising awareness of relevant research resources
enhance knowledge of the conceptual basis of the physical layout of the
costume and textile stores which are based on the ICOM Costume
Committee framework 6
To create resources for specific sections of the dress and textile collection
The videos are now in digital format and three are being professionally edited to become podcasts. 7
These will be available via the Museum’s website to be used as pre-visit information, provide access
to parts of the collection which are not on display and to support learning activities.
As articulated by Kingery, 8 object-based study involves not only studying the physical nature of the
artefact but also considering the context and location of its production as well as the use which has
been made of it, both in its original context and in terms of re-use, rejection, disposal or collection
(Fig. 1). This process enables the development of deep understanding resulting in more effective
communication of the artefact’s nature and significance.
ARTEFACT
Attributes
Frequency
Associations
Spatial patterns
PRODUCTION
ACTIVITIES
Materials collection
Materials selection
Materials processing
Object design
Object realisation /
production
USE ACTIVITIES
Distribution
Use and function -
as tools
as signs
as symbols
Performance /
Meaning
Discard / Refuse
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