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Historic Costume & Textiles Collection

College of Education and Human Ecology
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About Us

The Historic Costume & Textiles Collection is a museum and Fashion Archive. It is a scholarly and artistic museum resource of apparel and textile material culture housed within the Fashion and Retail Studies Program in the College of Education and Human Ecology. The 9000+ holdings encompass a range of three dimensional objects such as textiles and articles of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, including national dress costume, from the mid-18th century to contemporary 21st century designers. The museum also houses some fashion plates and swatch books. Particular strengths are objects pertaining to the U.S. fashion industry including extensive files on Bonnie Cashin and Irene (Lentz Gibbons), received from manufacturer Philip Sills and collector Joe Simms, respectively. The museum is also the repository Ann Rudolph’s extensive Button Collection.

Mission

The mission of the Historic Costume & Textiles Collection is to:

  • Collect and preserve apparel and textile artifacts of global and diverse origins that meet the needs of department and university classes and represent the spectrum of consumers of fashion and material culture,
  • Provide access to the artifacts for researchers and scholars including faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, industry partners and community members through direct and electronic means,
  • Interpret artifacts via educational opportunities including classroom use, public exhibitions, and programs.

Vision

Through Fashion and Retail Studies courses, exhibitions and educational programs the Ohio State University Fashion Archive provides diverse audiences with the opportunity to participate in experiences that enhance understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects and the social meaning of apparel and textiles. Knowledge gained from these experiences nurtures innovation and creativity in design and professional practice in the global marketplace.

Snowden Galleries

The Gladys Keller Snowden Gallery was located in the Geraldine Schottenstein Wing for the Historic Costume & Textiles Collection, attached to Campbell Hall. The gallery was part of the Historic Costume & Textiles Collection and housed current exhibitions showcasing textile and clothing artifacts.

Geraldine Schottenstein Wing

The Geraldine Schottenstein Wing for the Historic Costume & Textiles Collection was an addition to Campbell Hall that was dedicated in 1996. It was made possible through the generosity of Geraldine’s late husband, Jerome Schottenstein, and housed the Collection’s office, workroom, storage facilities, and galleries.

Geraldine Schottenstein Wing

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Welcome

The Historic Costume & Textiles Collection is a scholarly and artistic resource of apparel and textile material culture. The 11,500+ holdings encompass a range of three dimensional objects such as textiles and articles of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, including national dress costume, from the mid-18th century to contemporary 21st century designers.

Quicklinks

  • Clothes Lines
  • Fashion2FIber
  • FRIL: Fiber Reference Image Library

Search Historic Costume & Textiles Collection

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Visitors

Visitors are welcome to tour exhibitions when they are on display in gallery spaces. Gallery hours and location can be found on the visit us page or you may contact us for upcoming information on exhibitions, programs, and events.

Research

The Collection is available to researchers by appointment only, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call or email to make arrangements.

Contact Us

The Historic Costume & Textiles Collection
1787 Neil Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210

Telephone: (614) 292-3090
Fax: (614) 688-8133
Email: strege.2@osu.edu

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