Foundation reinterprets use of textiles in historic interiors

Published On: May 1, 2009

For more than 25 years, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has taken the lead in reinterpreting the use of textiles in historic interiors from the 18th century. The symposium, “‘A Very Large Curious & Compleat Assortment’: Textiles for Interiors, 1730–1830,” gathers leading American and English scholars in the field to review the design and composition of textile furnishings, including upholstery, bed and window treatments and floor coverings. The program will be held Sept. 20–22 at the Williamsburg Woodlands conference center.

Presentations will cover topics such as “modern ideas of comfort,” “window curtain design, cut and construction,” “colonial revival,” “out of the linen closet” and “upholstery for seating furniture.” Several tours and workshops are also available to attendees.

Because it is becoming more and more difficult to find authentic reproduction textiles, hardware and qualified fabricators, Colonial Williamsburg will also provide a venue for respected vendors and booksellers able to supply the essential resources for fabricating authentic textile décor.

Registration for the Textile for Interiors 2009 Symposium may be done by mail, fax, phone or online. Contact The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Conferences, Forums and Workshops, P.O. Box 1776, Williamsburg, Va. 23187-1776; 800 603 0948, fax +1 757 565 8921, www.history.org/conted.