What are the responsibilities and job description for the Textile Furnishing Specialist position at CW Talent?
Who We Are
Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.
Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.
Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.
About the Position
Research, design, cut, and sew reproductions of bed hangings, window curtains, household linens, slip covers, and clothing using 18th century styles and techniques for displays in Historic Area exhibition buildings. Research and locate sources for reproduction fabrics.
Essential Functions:
• Design and sew textile furnishings for Colonial Williamsburg exhibition buildings, consistent with 18thcentury styles and techniques.
• Research techniques and designs of household furnishings and upholstery that were used during the 18th century in Virginia and related areas.
• Assist with other sewing tasks for storage, museum exhibitions, and offices including table covers, hangers, and costume props for exhibit and costume mounts.
• Maintain workroom, store reproduction fabrics, and keep equipment in good order.
• Assist in monitoring the condition of reproduction textiles in exhibition buildings; provide recommendations to curators and conservators regarding repair and replacement schedules. Assist when needed with textile changes in the Historic Area.
• Assist with routine cleaning, repair, and ironing of reproduction textiles used in the Historic Area.
• Prepare permanent files and written reports on the design and research of reproduction textiles installed in exhibition buildings for Historic Area interpreters and for the permanent records.
• Identify and locate suitable modern fabrics and trimmings for use in reproductions. Provide information needed for orders to be placed and follow up on orders. Maintain source files on reproduction fabrics and trimmings.
• Conduct occasional tours and workshops.
• Supervise volunteer projects.
• Construct protective covers for conservation projects.
• Perform other related duties as required.
Qualifications:
Must be skilled in pattern-making, fine hand sewing, machine sewing, and various 18th century and modern stitching techniques; ability to study and interpret print sources and antique artifacts to construct and make reproductions. Must have basic knowledge of textiles.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with research and handling museum artifacts.
