Our Story
Norwich is a fine city whose heritage owes much to the textile industry which brought wealth to the city between the twelfth and eighteenth centuries.
The legacy can still be enjoyed today: Norwich is still enriched by the different styles, culture, architecture and language that can be traced back to the ‘Strangers’ who came from the Low Countries to work in the textile industry.
The Costume & Textile Association is an independent charity seeking to promote the unique costume and textile collection of the Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service.
C&TA, as it is affectionately known, is a lively organisation bringing together people who are keen to support and learn more about the history and development of costume and textile. The internationally recognised museum collection held at the Shirehall Costume and Textile Study Centre in Market Avenue Street, Norwich contains some 25,000 items dating from the sixteenth century to the present day.
Pride of place must go to the collection of over 700 printed and woven shawls. 200 of these are of Norwich manufacture and remind today’s visitors of the once vibrant textile trade in Norwich which brought wealth and status to the City.
Registered Charity number: 1000730
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Another fabulous jumper design by Elizabeth Forster
See you on the other side!
Dr Sara Choudhrey will be discussing objects from the Emery Walker Trust’s Islamic Collection on NOVEMBER 7, 2020 15.00 - book online if you want to feast your eyes on these wonders and how they relate to the Arts & Crafts Movement.
Now the clocks have gone back and the days are drawing in, it’s the perfect time to read Danie Hadley, Events & Visitor Programme Officer, blog post about her love of the Elizabeth Forster knitwear archive in the costume and textiles department. You might well be inspired to get those knitting needles out and start creating ... enjoy!
Get ready for winter!
Welcome Back to the Castle ...
The Castle Museum is now open again.
C&TA Members are free as usual - however you do need to book in advance through the Art Tickets website - follow link
https://norfolk-museums.arttickets.org.uk - and remember to take your C&TA membership card with you.
The cafe, shop and Keep are closed. There are toilet facilities available. Please wear a mask and observe social distancing and the rule of six.
It’s great to be able to visit again!
A fascinating insight into four colourful objects linked with a 16th Norwich textile merchant
This beautiful tiny object - which may be textile related - was found in Norwich Castle keep.
Listen to its fascinating story
Check out this amazing international embroidery art project - sumptuous
Welcome Back
We’ve been unable to get into our Facebook account for a while but we are back - hopefully this time to stay!
Has anyone got any mone squares for the Corona Quilt if so can you get in touch with Celia Sutton or Pauline White via the web site. We hope to start the sewing process very soon. Hope everyone is well. Stay safe😃