MUSEOS DE LA SEDA / SILK MUSEUMS

- Containers for carrying silkworm eggs, a collection that preserves various peri- od cardboard boxes for silkworm egg transportation, with an interesting design from factories and laboratories of 6 different countries. The top and bottom parts of the containers are perforated for providing oxygen to the eggs. - The unique collection of Jacquard textiles - created around the period when Joseph Marie Jacquard invented his loom, regarded as the most modern weav- ing machine of that time. - Unique samples of handmade textiles including various types created with tra- ditional Caucasian weaving methods and natural dyes: daraia, tussore, jejim, etc. - A diverse collection of dyes - consisting of herbal, animal, mineral and aniline dyes and silk threads colored in these dyes, as well as various substances (whit- eners, substances for increasing thread weight, mordants) used for pre-pro- cedures before dying. The main part of the collection dates back to the XIX century and puts together objects from 16 different countries. - Museum is distinguished with its unique library, preserving natural science books from the 18 th -20 th centuries in Georgian, Russian, English, German, French, Italian, Romanian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic and other languages. It is noteworthy that the museum and library furniture is also made according to the sketches of Aleksander Szymkiewicz, and has preserved its authentic look until today. THE MUSEUM TODAY To this day, the sericulture station has retained only a museum function with a focus on its 130 years of history, working actively locally, as well as internationally. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, like many industries the silk production stopped in Geor- gia. Belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture, in the 90s the importance of the building and its collection was gradually revived by the involvement of Georgian Textile Group (GTG) founded by local textile artists. The group had participated in various exhibi- tions abroad, became part of the European Textile Network (ETN) and organized five international symposiums and exhibitions to save the museum. Every symposium would open at the museum building and the information about its importance was sent to the authorities. Finally, in 2006 it became a part of the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia and in 2007 started functioning as the State Silk Museum. The new team was actively working with ICOM Georgia and other organization and indi- viduals for developing a successful museum. Nowadays, while maintaining its collection and authentic atmosphere, the museum is also dedicated to implementing educational programs and being open to new initiatives, such as contemporary art projects, various workshops, etc. 130