Webinar: Wool, Silk, and Empire: Regional Textile Traditions of the Hellenic World

Join us for a webinar presented by Sophia Phoutrides during the last week of our exhibition Follow the Thread: The Fabric of the Hellenic Spirit.

In this webinar, Greek textile expert and business owner Sophia Phoutrides will trace the history of Hellenic textile traditions, emphasizing regional styles as well as the impact of empire and trade. Textile making in Greece has long been associated with women’s domestic work, including materials made for use in the home and in preparation for brides’ dowries. Although Greece is not a large country, there are significant differences in the availability of natural resources, climate, and livelihood, which have all shaped how regional styles developed.

Considering examples such the pastoral dress of the Sarakatsani, Venetian-inspired bridal wear of Crete, and Ottoman-era ceremonial dress from Astypalaia, this webinar presents an opportunity to understand how even a relatively small country like Greece is bursting with regionally-distinct textiles that have withstood and transformed through periods of empire and external influence.

If you are unable to attend the event live, we will share a recording after the event.