The Museum for Textiles, located in Toronto, Ontario houses an amazing and impressive collection of textiles. It is the only museum in Canada that is exclusively devoted to the collection, exhibition and documentation of textiles from around the world.

The Museum began in 1975 in a modest one room space and has grown to its current location hidden away in thea heart of downtown Toronto. The Museum occupies 4 floors and 15,000 feet of gallery space. The Museum includes a specialized reference library as well as a conservation laboratory and collection/management area. Auditorium space and facilities for meetings, seminars, receptions and other special events are also available.

The Museum's permanent collection numbers over 8500 pieces from around the world and over 190 countries and regions are represented in the collection. Exhibits from this vast collection are on display for only a short time in the Gallery, as the textiles have to be maintained in a controlled atmosphere. Each visit to the Museum will delight you with something new, as the exhibits are shown on a rotating basis. If you have an opportunity to visit Toronto, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time toexplore this wonderful Museum.

I would like to thank Diana McNab Silcock, and all the staff and volunteers at the Museum for the assistance they provided me during my visit.

During my recent visit to the Museum, 2 exhibits were featured:

Mothers of Invention
An exhibit curated by Marijke Kerkhoven and Dr. Elizabeth Barber, that explore the key developments in the textile arts. The exhibit demonstrates how the twisting of fibres has been adapted by people around the world.

Twenty-five Stories
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the museum exhibits 25 Stories that illustrate the social, religious and commercial narratives that textiles tell.

The Museum for Textiles
The Museum also has a website with additional information about these exhibits and other virtual galleries.

Dr. E. Barber Interview