Textile time capsule

If you are visiting The Mint, why not come into the Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection to see the latest array of temporary and semi-permanent displays?

The Textile time capsule display dips into the underfloor cavities at the Hyde Park Barracks to reveal some of the thousands of textile fragments discovered during archaeological excavations. Most date from 1848 to 1886, a period when the barracks was home mostly to women: an Irish orphan refuge (1848-52), an immigration depot (1848-86) and a shelter for the aged, infirm and destitute (1862-86).

The designs of many of the textiles are remarkably intricate and vivid, and there is also an over-representation of the colour purple – most are inexpensive cotton prints produced using machine printing techniques. The textiles may have been lost underfloor, removed by rodents or intentionally discarded or concealed but are now on display for all to see.

Follow the signs to the Historic Houses Trust Reception from the front entrance of The Mint, and you will find the Library entrance nearby.

Please note that the Library's NEW opening hours are 10am-4pm, Tuesday to Friday.