Ahead of His Time: the Collecting Vision of George Hewitt Myers December 3, 2007

In 1925 George Hewitt Myers founded The Textile Museum with a collection of 275 rugs and 60 related textiles drawn from the traditions of non-Western cultures. With the establishment of The Textile Museum, Myers demonstrated his commitment to championing the appreciation of textiles as works of art. 'Ahead of His Time' will explore his collecting interests and history and emphasize the richness and importance of the Museum's holdings acquired by him. As the exhibition will show, Myers collected not only for personal pleasure but with the aim of improving the aesthetic sensibilities of others. The eventual establishment of a museum for the appreciation of textiles as art was the culmination of his efforts in this regard. A small but representative portion of The Textile Museum's collections acquired by George Hewitt Myers will be displayed, including items rarely exhibited before.