Everyday objects and their history(ies)

Everyday textile objects and their history(ies) are at the centre of a restructured collection at the Institute of Material Culture. More than 4,000 objects from imperial garters to cocktail dresses from the 1980s are on display. The collection comprises four rooms: "Clothes and Stories", "Textile Objects", "Fabrics" and "Writings". There are 1,700 items of clothing on display, as well as 400 fabric samples and 4,800 writings - in addition to specialist literature, these include fashion magazines and advertising catalogues from various decades. There are also 950 textile objects. This includes everything that is textile but not clothing - such as blankets, cushion covers or potholders. Focus on everyday objects "Our focus is clearly on everyday objects. You should be able to see that they were used," says Carolin Krämer, curator of the collection. She is particularly interested in finding out the history behind the objects: Whether it's the green corduroy suit that was first worn to dance school in the 70s or the brightly coloured swimming trunks in which the first jump from the ten-metre board was made - the biographies of the objects are always included. "It is the collection of a reform university. It has more of a cultural studies focus and is therefore unique in Germany," explains Krämer. Prof Ingrid Köller laid the foundation stone for the collection back in 1979, when she established the subject of textile sciences at the still young Oldenburg University. Since then, the objects have been used as illustrative and working material in teaching. They have served generations of students as source material for term papers and dissertations and have also inspired them to create their own work. Since last year, the collection has been revised piece by piece. Visits possible by appointment The collection is primarily available to students and teaching staff at the Institute - professionally organised and catalogued. Interested individual visitors are also welcome to view the objects in building A02 (Haarentor campus). Outstanding textile objects can also be donated to the collection. Visitors and donors are asked to call 0441/798-2167 or send an email to .