The Textile Collection

The Textile Collection is located at the Scottish Borders campus in Galashiels and was developed from the 1950s by Dr James Martindale, Principal of the Scottish Woollen Technical College. As the tweed mills in the Scottish Borders began to close, he took in records to preserve the local heritage as well as to establish a research resource for staff and students.

The Collection is an internationally recognised resource for Scottish textile heritage and includes some early and rare examples of tweed and tartan. Key collections also include furnishing fabrics from Dundee firm Donald Brothers, Paisley shawls, costumes, international textiles, lace, and the archive of the College. New donations of collections or items relating to the Scottish textile industry or to support teaching and the University's international reach are welcomed.

Access is by appointment.

Key information

Museum and Archive Service

Helen Taylor