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Golden Gate Weavers Guild
About Us
Mission
The mission of Golden Gate Weavers Guild is to promote interest in and educate about fiber arts, particularly weaving. We want to encourage our members to excel in the fiber arts and achieve the best levels of excellence possible in their endeavors. We want to help and encourage all fiber artists, no matter what medium they choose. To promote exhibitions and encourage a strong sense of community.
History
In 1938 the Golden Gate Weavers Guild became the first organization of its kind in the state of California. It began with a group of 12 weavers, including E. Everett Gilmore,* who were invited to the home of Grace Werner, in Alameda, for the purpose of forming a permanent weaver's organization.
These guild pioneers recognized a need for obtaining and sharing weaving information for the advancement of the craft. This set them on a path to build and strengthen a weaving community.
The result: Golden Gate Weavers Guild was established.
The purpose, set forth in their bylaws was: "To stimulate interest and education in the fiber arts, particularly weaving. To encourage members to achieve the highest standard of excellence; To promote exhibitions; and to help and encourage all fiber artists."
By 1941, the Golden Gate Weaver's Guild membership had grown to 43 weavers. Some members came from as far away as Sacramento, Santa Rosa, Mill Valley, San Jose and Martinez.
The guild was very active during World War II. Junior guild members collected discarded silk stockings to be used for stretcher blankets and wheelchair throws for men in the service. Senior members wove them into the sizes requested by the Army and Navy Emergency Hospitals. Until shipping became impossible, blankets were also sent to England for inhabitants of shelters. Post wartime many guild members taught weaving to returning soldiers to help deal with their war experiences; now known as PTSD.
One of the exhibits they participated in was at the Claremont Hotel. It featured 6 furnished rooms including a Colonial and a modern living room, a dining room and a bedroom. All the textiles were handwoven by the guild members. Three hundred dollars was made and donated to the British War Relief. After the war a Citation was awarded to the guild by the Disabled Army Veterans in recognition of meritorious services rendered.
During the busy years of the 40's, two guild weaving exhibits were staged at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. Later a traveling exhibit was sent to nearby towns.
Eventually, weavers from more distant Bay Area locations created their own local guilds. All the while, the Golden Gate Weavers Guild continues its dedication to the art and craft of woven textiles.
Today Golden Gate Weavers Guild is delighted to reflect on the principles and practices on which it was founded, through sharing, and the encouragement of fellow weavers in the community. As contemporary weavers we continue to learn, grow, and advance with the times; weaving threads keeps us connected to our past and joyfully envisioning the future.
*E, Everett Gilmore invented the first jack loom. The patented Gilmore loom became a standard favorite for many weavers and weaving teachers.