A fashionable professor’s library on view


 

A new display on Mann Library’s first floor presents a selection of books from the personal library of Charlotte Jirousek, associate professor of textiles and apparel.

Jirousek, who died in February 2014, was a friend of the library, offering her expertise on resource selections and other gifts. This latest gift reflects her interest in textiles and fashion as well as her desire to pass knowledge on to future generations of Cornell students.

She curated her personal library with as much care as she did the Cornell Costume and Textile Collection, and the attention shows: The collection includes books on clothing, crafts and production techniques from around the world. Turkey, which was of particular interest to Jirousek, is well represented.

Items on display offer a tantalizing glimpse of the richness and breadth of fashion throughout history. A short photo album is available to tempt viewers.

- Jessica E. Withers