The knitting collections held by the University of Southampton’s library comprise over 800 objects, photographs, postcards, tools, knitting patterns, books, journals and magazines. These collections have as their foundation the libraries of Montse Stanley, Richard Rutt and Jane Waller - all renowned for their reputations in publishing, collecting and practice.
Some of the more unusual items in the Montse Stanley Collection include a World War 1 knitted bandage, “Peace 1919 Victory” tea cosy, South American knitted toys, a variety of bags and purses from the late 18th century to the mid 20th century, historical items of dress associated with Jane Austen (woman’s fingerless long mittens), and Charlotte Bronte (dress collar dated 1847), an astonishing variety of boots and shoes from France, England and Asia and many examples of the “kitsch” including a white knitted poodle toilet roll cover.
The Knitting Reference Library held by the University of Southampton Library at Winchester School of Art holds a comprehensive range of published literature from the 1830s to the present day. This unique “print culture” starts with early Victorian knit books which demonstrate the growth of mass publishing and the change to learning through print previously passed on through an oral tradition.
In their entirety these collections enable linking object with text. It is possible to trace the representation and social history of knitting, to chart “revivals” and consequently to posit questions about issues such as gender, material culture and the status of knitting.
More
- In the loop: a fresh look at knitting
- In the loop: knitting from opposite ends of the spectrum
- For more information or to book places at the conference visit www.intheloop.soton.ac.uk.
