Featuring clothing and textile collections online

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to analyse the display of digital images found on clothing and textile collection websites. Design/methodology/approach – Features noted included where on the website the images were found, such as in a display or as part of a database. Display features are documented, including enlargement abilities, the view of the artefact, the use of dress forms and mannequins, and the context in which the artefact was pictured. The text that describes the artefact is also documented. The instrument was a content analysis of clothing and textile collection websites. Data were collected in 2006 from 57 clothing and textile collection websites. Findings – All 57 costume and textile museums had images of collection artefacts online, with the majority sharing a featured artefact. Almost half of the websites used images in databases and displays. Enlargement abilities were not common; most of the visuals showed the front view of the artefact. Enlargements were more common in displays. Mannequins and dress forms were used infrequently. Detailed text to explain the artefacts was available in the databases. Research limitations/implications – The research was limited to observing 57 websites. Originality/value – Common features used by costume and textile museums when displaying collection pieces online were identified. Suggestions as to what content to include in a website for clothing and textile collections are discussed in light of the data collected.