As part of an ambitious project to document and share their rich collection of artifacts, the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum is posting photos and descriptions online. A portion of their archives is available now; here are rosemaled items on display to the world. Coming later this summer – textiles! According to Laurann Gilbertson, Textile Curator at Vesterheim, about 100 pieces in various textile techniques will be included.
The Museum has a deep and varied collection of textiles. Some are on view in the museum, and many are carefully preserved in a climate-controlled storage unit. For weavers, the pieces are a treasure trove for study and inspiration.
I recently posted a photo of a skinnfell coverlet with a textile attached. Laurann sent along the details about it. Sewn to the sheepskin is a tavlebragd coverlet woven by Regine Johannesdatter Bjerkvig of Stordal, Sogn, ca. 1875. This could definitely be inspiration for a very contemporary-looking piece, more than 135 years later.