MUSEI CHE HANNO STOFFA - A project for the valorisation of Umbrian textile tradition.
There are at least thirty Umbrian museums exclusively dedicated to the theme of homemade textiles such as lace, embroidery, crochet including sacred regalia, clothing, costumes and accessories.
Textile arts pass transversely through different epochs and territories. They hand down abilities and knowledge from one generation to another – often specific to the female world – and they clearly demonstrate the daily life of the community, public ceremonies, domestic economy, luxury trade, sacred rituals and civil occasions.
As a result of these arts, artefacts were passed on by inheritance or dowry and they were part of an assessable heritage.
Production techniques were taught at home, in convents and specially established schools, they provided women with a source of income and social independence.
Each museum interested in this project has been provided with explanatory brochures where all collections and types of textiles are succinctly presented. They are followed by a selection of pictures, including the description of the technique of the textile production or and the geographic region it is related to.
Particular attention has been paid to the “Perugina” tablecloths, which were originally preserved in different Umbrian museums such as the Umbrian National Gallery in Perugia. These textiles are famous for being represented in the paintings of the great masters of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
The project of “Musei che hanno stoffa” (Regional Textile Museums) is a project of museum enhancement, launched in 2008 thanks to the initiative of the districts of Spoleto and Sant’Anatolia di Narco, supported by the Region of Umbria with the funds under regional Law n.24/2003 (Museum regional system. Safeguard and development of related cultural heritage).