As a papermaker I’m always searching for discarded linen to make into paper. Much of the time I end up recycling clothing – – out of date Flax dresses, ripped muslin trousers, you name it. This obsession with cloth extends to the history of clothing and textiles. (Rest assured, I don’t use historic clothing as grist for the mill!) I incorporate textiles as a theme in my other work as well. Right now I’m working on a monotype series based on 19th century fabric samples.
The other day my artist friend, Nancy Meagher and I visited Historic Northampton to meet with historic clothing expert Nancy Rexford. Nancy M. and I are planning a body of work about women working in the textile and affiliated factories around the time of the 1874 flood of the Mill River. We are interested in the clothing made and clothing worn by women workers of the period. Nancy M. was wondering, “What were they wearing the day the dam burst? Were there fabric scraps to take home? Did they sneak any buttons into their pockets?” Nancy R. showed us several dresses from the period, explaining the concept of overskirt, underskirt, and bodice. And how the silhouette and bustle changed from the 1870s – 80s. Given that Nancy R. is a walking encyclopedia our heads were spinning with all kinds of fascinating details. We came away inspired by shapes, colors, patterns, and stories that will make their way into our art work. Stay tuned!