Topics covered:

The course focuses on the observation, recognition, and description of various silk weaves such as taffeta, satin, cannelé, diamantina, and pekin. It continues with an in-depth study of figured fabrics: brocade, damask, velvet, and lampas. Fabrics from the collections of the Fondazione Antonio Ratti will be observed and studied. Each student will be provided with a handout and several textile fragments for study.

The course is designed and organised to provide an in-depth knowledge of the origins and history of textiles to employees of the silk district industries, professionals and freelance designers, teachers and students of vocational schools and universities, as well as anyone approaching the textile world for the first time.