From Kyoto to Providence: Preserving the RISD Museum's Lucy Truman Aldrich Collection of Asian Textile Masterworks for Educational Access

FAIN: PB-274403-20

Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, RI 02903-2717)
Kate Irvin (Project Director: May 2020 to March 2025)

The retention of eleven staff positions to inventory, assess, photograph, and rehouse approximately 900 objects in the Lucy Truman Aldrich collection of Asian costume and textiles. 

From June 15 to December 31, 2020, the RISD Museum will carry out a critical project that encompasses inventorying, assessing, photographing, and rehousing roughly 900 objects in our internationally renowned Lucy Truman Aldrich collection of Asian costume and textiles. The project was meant to begin this summer with support from a summer intern, however due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our closure has forced staff to pivot to remote working and teaching, and the internship will take place virtually. This project was already fundamental to our work toward providing access to the museum’s collection for all, but it is now more vital than ever. Viewing objects in our study rooms and galleries is currently impossible, and this popular collection lacks adequate documentation for remote learning. This request will allow us to fully staff and carry out the work as planned, with necessary adjustments to ensure health and safety.