Sometimes the smallest collections are the most important.
Do you know a costume & textile collection in need of attention?
Middlebury College Antique Clothing CollectionIn 2016, I had the unique opportunity to initiate the cataloging and preservation of the Middlebury College Antique Clothing Collection (MCACC). I was aware that the college owned around four hundred women’s garments and accessories dating from 1850 to 1930. Unfortunately, this collection had been neglected for years in a old basement closet in unstable condition. Knowing that these garments were an incredibly valuable resource for teaching as well as student and faculty research, I reached out to Mira Veikley, the Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre. She applied for and was awarded the Costume Society of America’s University Collection Care Grant.
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I spent my senior year photographing and organizing as well as establishing provenance. In addition, I made valuable connections at Middlebury College and in the Town of Middlebury to further the preservation of this collection. In April 2016, I presented my work at Middlebury College's Spring Symposium.
Today, Mira Veikley and students continue the work I started at Middlebury College. They have obtained professional collections care and photography equipment. The collection continues to gain more recognition of the College and town. It is also being used as a resource in the classroom and for special exhibitions as I hoped it would.
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Follow the MCACC on instagram @middantiqueclothing |
Students in a History of Western Dress course examine original Victorian undergarments from the MCACC
Professional photography by current student, Emma Cowper
