Online Curator Talk: Tartan

Interesting online lecture from the Victoria and Albert Museum introducing their exhibition on tartan at their outpost in Dundee.

Kirsty Hassard, who curated the show, led us though the history of the textile and its international reach. She talked about some of the choices made in the show and why it is laid out as it is. I was fascinated to hear that, as they don’t have conservation department up there, they had to have a consultant costume mounter to dress the mannequin for the fashion items.

She then led us though the five themes of the show, the grid, innovation, identity, power and transcendence highlighting key objects in each with great illustrations.

I wish this was show was nearer to me as it looks great fun. They did say they hope it will tour so here’s hoping it reaches London in some form.

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