Textiles add colour, texture and pattern to our surroundings. They stimulate a range of responses and sensations; textiles comfort, provide a sense of ceremony, denote status, and can be a reflection of religious beliefs and community traditions and values.
While born from the marriage of mathematics, mechanics, chemistry and art, their study also requires knowledge and reference to the areas of design, art history, archaeology, ethnology, ornamentation and costume as well as to social and economic history. Such an extensive sphere of influence has led some to observe that the study of textiles produces more revealing evidence about our civilizations than any other art form.
An international network, focused mainly on the Asian region, has been established by the Society. Its primary function is to provide contacts in other countries and so bring those interested in textiles closer together.
Through a quarterly newsletter, members are introduced to our speakers, regional and international conferences and exhibitions, textile publications and reports on textile related activities. Membership includes new editions of our publication, Guide to Asian Textile Collections, a register of close to 200 museums with details of their Asian collections, plus listings of Asian textile dealers.
Regular meetings feature speakers presenting a various range of textile topics and members also have opportunities to share their collections with other members. Textile tours offered to members in the past have included trips to various regions of China, Thailand, Laos, Bali, and Cambodia. The Society has provided funding for scholars to attend international textile conferences.
The Textile Society of Hong Kong was formed in December, 1993 and has presented a major international conference, "Chinese Textiles: Technique, Design and Patterns of Use" sponsored by Spink and Son Ltd, London.
The Textile Society of Hong Kong aims to explore all aspects of both traditional and contemporary textiles. The Society intends to satisfy not only those with an established knowledge of textiles - our international membership includes design professionals, museum curators, collectors, historians, textile conservators, dealers and craftspeople - but also members who are just beginning their interest in this broad field. |
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