|
 The NNA helps organisations record their textile holdings. In 2004 we began to record all the textiles belonging to WIs throughout England, Wales and the Islands. These textiles had never been recorded before and it soon became apparent how many of the banners, table covers, costumes and other WI related items had been lost over the years. As well as recording the textiles currently owned by WIs, the NNA are actively trying to find ‘lost’ WI items.
We have currently recorded over 9000 artefacts from approximately two thirds of the 6800 WIs in 70 Federations. The recording project is on-going and the NNA will continue to build and maintain the textile records of the NFWI. The project received no external funding and all the work at the NNA and in local WIs and Federations has been done entirely by volunteers.
In addition to the documentary records, the NNA keeps a collection of WI textiles from closed WIs, and items no longer required by current WIs and Federations. The intention is to keep WI textiles together in a dedicated collection which will reflect the history, both of the WI movement and of textile development. We are always glad to receive or hear about WI textiles, or any documents relating to them. WIs who deposit items with the NNA are able to borrow them back for special occasions, as can suspended WIs if they reform (contact the NNA for further details).
A book is available featuring all of the items from the exhibition ‘Textile Treasures of the WI’ together with historical background and old photographs. The book is available at our Newbury Gallery or by post. The cost is £14.99 plus £2.90 p&p. Cheques for £17.89, made out to the National Needlework Archive, should be sent to our Newbury office.
|
