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Plea for AccessI too have experienced the problems members have encountered in trying to obtain photos of textiles in the care of the National Trust, particularly the Goodhart Collection of Samplers at Montacute House in Somerset. The Trust has housed this prestigious collection for many years, since the death of Dr Goodhart, but in that time, despite many requests, only a leaflet and a few postcards have been made available. There has been talk of a catalogue but it is difficult to get a firm commitment and The Trust doesn't always reply to letters.
The Embroiderers' Guild published a catalogue of the collection to accompany the exhibition 'One Man's Samplers' held at Orleans House, Twickenham in 1983. This catalogue is now much sought after by collectors and it is used as a reference by the staff at Montacute. An update with clearer pictures is needed but failing that a reprint would be a useful stopgap.
Are there other members like me, who find it impossible to persuade museums and public bodies holding collections that access and reference material is important to textile students? The Embroiderers' Guild, perhaps together with other guilds, should use their influence on our behalf. Acting as a pressure group to encourage holders of collections that access through exhibitions, websites and publications is essential. We are an educational charity dedicated to promoting embroidery so if we don't fight on its behalf, who will?
Mary Jenkins
Ed: It may be useful for those researching samplers to know of The Sampler Guild's UK Sampler Directory. This lists over 170 sites throughout the UK where samplers are on display. www.thesamplerguild.co.uk