The Art Institute of Chicago is renowned for its vast collection of American and European textiles. Presented here are eighty-six masterpieces from their collection - vestments, tapestries, woven silks, and velvets - which highlight the evolution of styles and techniques, and the intricacies of weaving, needlework, textile painting, and lace making. The works span fifteen centuries and include Coptic textiles, altar pieces and tapestries, English needlework, lace, printed cloth American coverlets, yardage and modern textile art. A fascinating history of the textile arts.