FTT marks 50 years with landmark textile symposium in Basel
The Forum Textil- und Teppichkunst (FTT) is poised to commemorate its 50th anniversary with a significant symposium in Basel on 21–22 March 2026. As Europe’s oldest society dedicated to textiles and carpets, the FTT has played an essential role in fostering an appreciation for diverse textile traditions since its inception in 1976. The upcoming event, which will surround the theme "Textiles in Transition," promises a robust programme of lectures, visual presentations, and social interactions, primarily conducted in German, to cater to its local enthusiast base.
Internationally renowned speakers will delve into a wide array of topics, tracing the journey of textiles from early production and trade in Mesopotamia and Anatolia to the cultural exchanges sparked by Oriental journeys in the 19th century. Discussions will illuminate intricate patterns and their historical significance, chart the historic trade routes that shaped North African textiles, and explore the captivating diversity of textiles from regions such as India and Central Asia. Moreover, this is not merely a scholarly gathering; the symposium will also serve as a fertile ground for informal exchanges, allowing participants to connect on a personal level with fellow textile lovers.
Since its foundation, initially as Freunde des Orientteppichs, FTT has continually evolved its focus to include a broader spectrum of global textile traditions, reflecting the dynamic nature of its membership and the wider textile community. The organisation has an established history of educational engagements, including regular lectures, exhibitions, and social events that celebrate both traditional and contemporary textile arts. For instance, in 1980, its members organised a landmark exhibition showcasing antique rugs, kilims, and soumak bags at the Gewerbemuseum Basel, further solidifying FTT's centrality in the field.
In a notable collaborative effort, FTT, together with the International Conference on Oriental Carpets (ICOC) and the Austrian Society for Textile Art Research (TKF), organised the tour "Carpets and Collections of the Swiss Alpine Area" in September 2024. This tour granted participants exclusive insights into private collections and lesser-known museums, including the Abegg Foundation and the Historical Museum Basel, highlighting the richness of the textile heritage in the Swiss Alpine region. Attendees engaged with exhibitions featuring Oriental carpets, Byzantine silks, and medieval tapestries, underlining the continued relevance of such collaborations in enhancing public knowledge about textile arts.
Such partnerships reflect a broader commitment to sustaining interest in textile scholarship and connecting enthusiasts with significant collections and institutions. The ICOC's directory of global rug clubs and societies further bolsters FTT’s stature as a linchpin in the international textile community, fostering cross-border collaborations and knowledge exchanges that enrich the understanding of textile practices worldwide.
As the FTT prepares for its anniversary, it stands at a crossroads, not only reflecting on its storied past but also charting the future direction of textile appreciation and scholarship. The symposium in March will be a celebration of its achievements thus far, while also signalling an ongoing commitment to education and community engagement in the ever-evolving world of textiles.
Contact details for inquiries about the symposium, including registration and participation in side events, are available via the FTT’s official communication channels, inviting both local and international participants to partake in this milestone celebration of textile arts.