In conjunction with the exhibition "The Hook and The Book," the Library Company will present a symposium for fiber artists, scholars, and those interested in any aspect of knitting and crocheting. The Lady's Workbasket: Contents, Versatility, and Renaissance will present three speakers on the morning of Saturday, June 9th. Participants will also have an opportunity to tour the exhibition with curator Nicole Scalessa.

"The Hook and The Book:" The Emergence of Crochet and Knitting in American Popular Culture, 1840-1876, will be on view until September 28 at the Library Company of Philadelphia. The exhibition displays books, pamphlets, broadsides, trade cards, and photographs, as well as period reproductions and authentic knitted and crocheted items borrowed from Philadelphia-area institutions. See Online Exhibition

This exhibition and its related public programs are made possible by generous contributions from the Louise Lux-Sions Exhibition Endowment Fund, The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Quaker Chemical Foundation, and The Philadelphia Cultural Fund.

Historic Reflections in Crochet by Curator Nicole H. Scalessa will be available for purchase the day of the symposium or call 215-546-3181 to order by phone. VISA/Mastercard accepted.

 

 

Schedule of Events

Registration Begins 8:30 a.m.

Welcome: James Green, Associate Librarian 9 a.m.

Talia Schaffer, Assistant Professor of English, Queens College, CUNY. "Watch-Hooks and Wax Coral: The Meaning of Mid-Victorian Domestic Handicraft"

Nancy Nehring, Co-chair of the Education Committee of the Crochet Guild of America. "The History and Evolution of Crochet Hooks"

Gwen Blakely Kinsler, founder and past president of the Crochet Guild of America. "Threads of Time: Crochet Links Yesterday, Today,...and Tomorrow"

PDF File - Symposium Flyer

The exhibition and symposium are free and open to the public , but space is limited and advance registration is required. Please R.S.V.P to (215) 546-3181 or by email: publicity@librarycompany.org