The Department of Textiles

One of the most comprehensive international collections of textiles is found at the Art Institute of Chicago. The Textile Department’s holdings include examples dating from 100 A.D. through the present. The Department facilities include humidity- and temperature-controlled storage areas, a conservation laboratory, public study area, office quarters, and gallery spaces.

Purposes

The Textile Society was created to further the appreciation of textiles by:

• sponsoring lectures and other programs for members of the society
• encouraging private collecting within the field
• assisting with special publications and exhibitions for the Department of Textiles
• supplementing departmental acquisition funds for purchases for the textile collection

Privileges

• priority arrangements (as time permits) to use the special resources, study facilities, and staff expertise, allowing members to expand their own knowledge and appreciation of textiles
• invitations to:
• events arranged especially and exclusively for the society
• previews of textile exhibitions and other major department exhibitions
• special museum and departmental programs and lectures
• study trips to view collections
• information on dates and locations of textile exhibitions and collections in public and private galleries which can be visited and viewed in the U.S. and abroad

Membership Levels

Student   $15
Regular   $50
(Tax deductible portion: $30)
Sustaining   $150
(Tax deductible portion: $110)
Patron   $250
(Tax deductible portion: $210)

We invite your inquiries at (312) 443-9198.

_{Woven by Ephraim Hausman. Coverlet, 1868. Gift of Mrs. William F. Drews.}