New exhibitions bring new opportunities to explore objects and connect to the stories they tell—in the galleries, through programs and in the store.
Time Warps: Textiles from Today’s Weavers provided the perfect opportunity to collaborate on a special project with the Hartford Artisans Weaving Center. Fran Curran, Executive Director and Dorrie Hunt, Secretary, visited the CHS one afternoon in February to explore and seek inspiration from the CHS Collection for special products, made exclusively for the store. Karen Depauw, Research and Collections Associate (and Inside CHS blogger) found several fine examples of woven goods in the third floor textile storage area. Fran and Dorrie settled on a coverlet woven in the traditional colonial pattern known as M’s & O’s to create a modern interpretation for beautifully crafted hand towels.
Karen also located a collection of mixed materials from the Research Center. This collection contained Thomas Frazer’s Book of Drafts and Dies of all Sorts of work—wheels plain & Spooled—A D 1740. Modern swatches woven from Frazer’s patterns were included along with photocopies of the patterns. Fran and Dorrie choose two patterns—a twill block and huck—to create elegant scarves in vibrant, sophisticated color palettes. Wrap yourself (or your favorite History Nut!) in Connecticut history with one these exquisite, comfortable, and unique pieces, each made by a local artisan. And of course, as always, the store has a selection of book titles, such as The Weavers Draft Book and Clothiers Assistant: A Facsimile Reproduction of the Original Edition, 1792 and Universal Stitches, For Weaving, Embroidery and Other Fiber Arts, signed by author and exhibition juror Nancy Arthur Hoskins.
Be a History Nut! Visit the store, learn about the collection, and experience our fantastic new products. All proceeds go directly to support CHS and all members receive 10% discounts on most items.
Kathy Whitney is the Customer Service and Store Manager at the Connecticut Historical Society.
inside the CHS 