Handkerchief exhibit in Troy

0

TROY — The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center, 301 W. Main St., Troy, is exhibiting “Grandma’s Tissues: A Collection of Handkerchiefs.”

The exhibit will be open through Sept. 24. It is free and open to the public.

Handkerchief collector and historian Helen Smith said, “At first, a handkerchief is just a handkerchief, but upon closer scrutiny, I see not only fine needle art but also a study in history, travel and culture.” Historically, handkerchiefs have had many purposes. The documented use of handkerchiefs dates as far back as the Greek and Roman Empires, when they were not only used for hygienic purposes, but as a signal for gladiatorial games to begin. By the 18th century, handkerchiefs were fashionably carried by both men and women, but had become so cumbersome that Marie Antoinette had her husband, Louis XVI of France, declare that “handkerchiefs be of regular size.”

This display of artistic and historic handkerchiefs is part of a large personal collection and is being exhibited in memory of Virginia and Fred Merch.

Hours of operation are Monday from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 9 am. to p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. For information, please visit www.troyhayner.org or call 937-339-0457.

Staff report

No posts to display