CVLTC

The Collection

The clothing and textiles collection consists of about 7,500 pieces from around the world. Some of the oldest items are from the early 1800s. The estimated value of the collection, begun by an Iowa State faculty member Olive Settles in 1923, is from $1 millioni to $3 million. Items from the collection are used in many textiles and clothing courses. Professors say student learning is greatly enhances when students can see and touch collection pieces.

The Conservation Lab

The conservation lab promises to be a busy place, drawing Iowa State students as well as professionals who need training or well-equipped facilities in which to do research. In the lab, students might collaborate to develop a new synthetic fiber. Museum staffs might learn how to preserve textile artifacts. Or international visitors might develop a process to make textile dyes from native plants.