Instructions for Weaving 1932 - 1938

Curator: Before us we have "Instructions for Weaving" by Otti Berger, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. My immediate thought is that it's deceptively simple. Editor: Yes! It's humble, almost secretive looking. A well-worn notebook, but the casual script suggests this might contain profound, or at least deeply personal, knowledge. Curator: Berger was a student at the Bauhaus, and this notebook gives us insight into her process, her teaching, and her correspondence. It’s not just about weaving; it's about the sharing of knowledge. Editor: The handwritten notes have a vulnerability to them, a warmth. You imagine someone poring over this, the exchange of ideas, of failures, of small triumphs with every carefully placed thread. Curator: Absolutely. It underscores the human element of design and craft—a reminder of the collaborative spirit of the Bauhaus. Editor: It makes me think about how much we lose when we digitize everything. It is nice to see the personality through the imperfect script in a notebook.