Under Wraps - Talks and Events at Carrow House Museum, Norwich

The famous textile collection now house at Carrow House is on the move to Shire Hall, Norwich later this year. This is a rationalisation programme following the inevitable cuts necessitated in our current economic climate. However, there are assurances that the collection and staff will be continued. Until September 2011, the curators at Carrow House are giving a series of monthly afternoon talks and events.
On 22 March from 2pm - 3.30pm the talk by Ruth Burwood, Senior Access Curator, is entitled ‘I, Miss Lorina Bulwer...’ - Embroidered letters from the Workhouse. When I imaged the collection for Carrow House, the Lorina Bulwer pieces were the last items on the list. There are two fragments - one of which you can see here - but the main item is a length of some dozen feet and had to be imaged in sections. It equates broadly to a blog in which Lorina vents her anguish and not a little rancour on her situation. She scavenged and begged fabric to add to her roll so that she could continue stitching her testament. It is a most affective piece and this talk is not one to be missed.
Once a month you can also open boxes from the stores with staff to discover some of the fabulous collections at Carrow House. These informal sessions  on Fridays from 10.30am -12.00pm provide an opportunity to get closer to the collections and a chance to browse the resources and library. Here is the programme:
25 March: Celebrate! The amazing world of commemorative costume and textiles.
5 April:  Happily Ever After-240 Years of Brides, Bridesmaids, Pageboys and Grooms
13 May: What Are You Made Of? Amazing materials used to create costume, textiles and accessories. Warning, will contain animal products.
17 June: In Memoriam: Costume for Death and Mourning
15 July: This Sporting Life: Sports and Leisure dress from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
19 August Dressed for the Job-A fascinating look at the world of work from the 18th to the 20th centuries using the occupational costume collections
The charge for the talks viewing sessions are: £6 Adult; £5.50 concessions; £5 Museums Pass holders, FNM, EAAF, C&TA, NCAS.

Do pop along to Carrow House and see these wonderful items in a fabulous historic building while you can. Click here for more details.