Geeske Kruseman presents 17th-century Dutch clothing history lectures

A new five-part lecture series titled ‘A Tailor's Workshop in 1626’ will explore the latest research into early 17th-century Dutch clothing. Led by independent researcher and clothing historian Geeske Kruseman, the series focuses on the multidisciplinary field of clothing history, which serves as an inclusive, object-oriented successor to traditional costume history.

The lectures use four fictional residents of Leiden from 1626 to illustrate different social strata: a tailor and his wife, a female citizen in a ‘vlieger’ costume, and a peat delivery worker. Through experimental research and the use of tangible reconstructions, such as doublets and cap catchers, the course aims to uncover the material reality of garments that no longer exist.

The series is scheduled for five Thursdays, specifically September 10, 17, 24, and October 8, 15.