Exploring Textiles: Girl Scouts Visit The Met

Troop 2465, Heart of the Hudson, in the Antonio Ratti Textile Center. Photo by Aliza Sena

«Last Saturday, a troop of Girl Scouts from Westchester County pointed their compasses south and made their way to the Museum to visit the Antonio Ratti Textile Center. They met with the Ratti Center's Senior Manager Giovanna Fiorino-Iannace and Assistant Manager Eva Labson, who gave them a behind-the-scenes tour and shared some stories about the history of clothing and textiles at The Met.» These scouts were no strangers to sewing, having added dozens of patches to their vests, but were excited to see the range of The Met's textile collection—from tiny scraps of cloth to enormous carpets.

There are several Girl Scout uniforms in The Met collection. This one is part of the collection of The Costume Institute. Mainbocher (American, 1890–1976). Uniform, ca. 1953. Cotton, elastic, metal; Length at CB (a): 44 1/2 in. (113 cm), length (b): 43 in. (109.2 cm), length (c): 29 in. (73.7 cm), length (d): 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm), width (e–l): 1/2 in. (1.3 cm), length (m): 9 in. (22.9 cm), length (n, o; cuff to toe): 11 in. (27.9 cm). The Metropolitan Museum, New York, Gift of Joell K. Kunath, 1995 (1995.74.2a-o)

Did you know? Since 1879, The Met has collected many kinds of textiles, including tapestries, quilts, carpets, silks, embroideries, and more. The Antonio Ratti Textile Center is a place for scholars to study these textiles as well as a research lab for the care and conservation of these special, and often fragile, artworks. The library contains about 3,400 books and journals, and the textile center oversees the storage of The Met's textile collection, which spans over 5,000 years. The oldest piece being mummy wrappings dating from around 3,000 B.C.!

The Girl Scouts huddle around Giovanna Fiorino-Iannace, senior manager of the Antonio Ratti Textile Center, as she discusses an embroidered Indian coat for a youth. Photo by Aliza Sena

There was plenty for the troop to see, including examples of textiles used or made by girls like them. One of the favorite pieces of the visit was a quilt featuring scenes from Alice and Wonderland, and a few of the American embroidery samplers were also big hits.

Marion Whiteside Newton (American). Crib quilt, Alice in Wonderland patterned (detail), 1945. Cotton; 65 5/8 x 45 in. (166.7 x 114.3 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Edward C. Moore Fund, 1945 (45.38)

Of the embroidered sampler made in 1840, shown below, Giovanna explained that embroidery was one of the main skills girls were able to learn at that time. They would embroider the alphabet and numbers over and over again to practice their sewing skills in school. This sampler was made by a girl named Elizabeth Coons from the town of Halfmoon in Saratoga County, New York. She was twelve at the time—the right age to be a Girl Scout herself!

Elizabeth Coons (American, born ca. 1828). Embroidered sampler, 1840. Silk and linen on linen, embroidered; 12 3/8 x 10 7/8 in. (31.4 x 27.6 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Bequest of Mabel Herbert Harper (57.122.753)

After viewing a selection of textiles, the Girl Scouts were invited to take a special insider look at the storage area. They felt how the room was carefully temperature controlled to keep the collection safe, and saw the neatly organized rolls of textiles, rugs, and contemporary artworks that the Ratti Center contains.

A Girl Scout looks at a doll made around 1870 from the collection of the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. Photo by Aliza Sena

Inspired by the artworks on view, the Girl Scouts shared stories of family members who knit, sew, and make creations of their own. Giovanna explained that there are many kid-friendly projects to try, citing embroidery, quilting, and weaving as great introductory projects to the rich world of textiles.

As the Girl Scout motto goes, be prepared! You can plan your own visit to the Antonio Ratti Textile Center and Reference Library by booking an appointment today.

Two Girl Scouts wear the latest additions to their vests—#MetKids buttons! Photo by Aliza Sena

Want to create your own textiles? Check out #MetKids—Weave on a Mini Loom, and share your creations with us!