What is the history of textile arts?
Textile artifacts can be printed, embroidered, knitted, woven or tapestry-woven fabrics of various materials and periods, as well as the three-dimensional objects made from them, such as covers, clothing and furnishings. In their diversity, they often cross media, geographical and historical boundaries, prompting an interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching.
The history of textile arts explores the production, use, display and circulation of textiles and textile objects in their respective cultural contexts from the early Middle Ages to the 19th century. It engages with and reflects upon the methodology, theory and historiography of textile studies.
The study programme
The Master’s programme in Art History with special qualification in the History of Textile Arts at the Institute of Art History of the University of Bern, unique worldwide, integrates questions relating to textile history into the art historical training. Established in 2009 by the Abegg-Stiftung and the University of Bern, the department (Abegg-Stiftung-Professur) offers a comprehensive insight into the interdisciplinary field of textile research.
The program explores the specific materials, technical characteristics, and design possibilities of textile arts, familiarising students with the methods of scientific investigation, technical analysis, and art historical discussion of textile objects. The geographical focus is on Europe as well as the regions of the Islamic world, which occupy a key position in the history of textile art as a connecting space between Europe and Asia. Excursions, museum internships, and academic conferences are part of the curriculum, promoting access to current research and providing practical experience in the conservation, presentation, and mediation of textile artifacts.