Purpose
The museum was established to make available a study collection representing as widely as possible the types and styles of embroidery of all periods and from all parts of the world in keeping with the stated objectives of the Embroiderers’ Guild of South Australia Inc which include:
‘to provide a centre which may be used as a bureau of information regarding embroidery’ and ‘to make and hold a collection of articles which may be of historical, educational, or other interest to both members of the Guild and the general public’.
Furthermore the Embroiderers’ Guild Museum seeks to preserve the embroidery heritage of all South Australians from wherever they may have come.
Collection Policy
The Embroiderers’ Guild Museum collects and keeps examples of embroidery made by hand and representing as widely as possible the types and styles of embroidery of all periods and from all parts of the world. In addition, the Museum collects needle-work accessories, tools, patterns, books and any other items that may be considered relevant.
The generosity of the many donors who have given embroideries to the collection over the years is gratefully acknowledged.
Exhibition Policy
Regular exhibitions of embroideries from the Museum Collection are mounted in the Guild House.
Exhibitions are planned to demonstrate the scope of embroidery and to provide information and instruction in the various aspects of method, artistry and purpose within an historical and cultural context.
As so many of the embroideries in the collection have come from the homes of South Australians of many different backgrounds, where they have been made, used and treasured over the years, exhibitions also give an historical view of South Australian embroidery.
Use of the Collection
Items from the collection are made available for study to Guild members and interested members of the public by arrangement.