In her lecture, Wanett Clyde, Brooklyn-based librarian, artist, and doll maker will probe the question, “What is a doll?” Asking participants how to define something so seemingly simple, yet doused with a fraught history associated with interconnected categories of experience that affect all aspects of life. In her lecture, she will unpack this question through a survey of Black doll history sharing historical examples, video, and photographs. In addition to a historical exploration, she will shed light on the pitfalls of collecting Black memorabilia, offer insight into the current discourse on contemporary doll artistry, and present new perspectives on domestic crafts as art in public and private collections.

If you are interested in stitching in person with Wanett this December, check out her virtual Dollmaking class.

Date
Wednesday, October 30th, 2024

Time
5 pm – 6:30 pm ET

Location
Zoom, a link will be sent to participants the week before the lecture

Cost

Tickets for this event are sold on a sliding scale beginning at $10 with a suggested donation of $25, but if you wish to pay less or more than the suggested donation, you may select a different amount from the drop down menu. As always, we are grateful for your support, which ensures the continuation and preservation of textile knowledge. Thank you for making this series possible. 

Tatter Library is a registered 501(c)3. Our speaker series is part of our community programming and proceeds support the continued success of our talks with artists, scholars, and historians we admire. For this event, all ticket proceeds will go towards keeping this series alive. 

Scholarships

We have two scholarships available for this experience. To be considered for a scholarship please email [email protected] requesting the scholarship application form.

Recording

This lecture will be recorded. A link to the recording will be emailed to all those who register following the live session. This link is live for one month for you to watch at your convenience.

Banner Image:

Williams, Milton. Monique fixes her doll’s hair on her babysitter’s doorstep. September 21, 1979. 2011.15.105. National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection. Washington, D.C.

OUR LECTURER
Wanett Clyde

Wanett Clyde is the Collections Management Librarian at CUNY’s New York City College of Technology, where in addition to managing the library’s collection she oversees the university archives. Her research seeks to explore the intersection of Black history and fashion history, drawing out under credited African-American contributors, their critical innovations and accomplishments, and other meaningful connections in the overlapping research spheres. As an active participant in the Brooklyn maker scene, she highlights the rich textile history of the Americas and fosters introductions between academics and fiber enthusiasts. Viewing art, textiles and Black maker history through an abolitionist lens has broadened her research horizons and forged new, fruitful partnerships in both her academic and personal research circles.