
About this Event
Bob Haven, miniature artist, Tambour Beading expert, and historic clothing aficionado, will spend several days delving into the NUMU collections, sharing his expertise regarding our vintage and historic clothing and accessories. Our staff will learn more about historic fashion trends, materials, and construction techniques, enabling us to more accurately describe and care for the items in our collection.
On Thursday, April 24th, we are pleased to offer two amazing opportunities to learn from Bob:
In the afternoon (2-4 PM), NUMU invites our community to bring in their personal vintage and historic (pre-1950) garments and accessories to learn — directly from Bob — more about the fabrics, techniques, time periods, and fashion history. To sign up, please share a photo and any relevant information about your item, and Bob will choose a few of the submissions to present and explain for our audience. This is your chance to learn about something from your family history, or perhaps something you found while thrifting. Please note, this is not a formal appraisal for insurance or valuations, but may provide a historical background for your items that are made prior to 1950.
If you have an item for review, pre-registration is required and there is no guarantee that Bob will look at all submissions. This event is free with admission and we are inviting attendees to be at the event even if you don’t have a personal item to share.
Bob is looking to review:
- Garments, undergarments, outerwear, wedding gowns.
- Beaded and embroidered accessories like shawls, purses, hats, capes.
- Historic and vintage items made prior to 1950
Submit your clothing items for review.
Want even more clothing history in your life? In the morning (11 AM-12 PM), Bob will share with our visitors about the work completed during the previous few days, highlighting particular items of interest and teaching us all how to “look” at garments and accessories.

About Bob Haven
When my career transitioned from English teacher to Professor of Costume Technology I was introduced to the art of Tambour beading. In 2008 while on sabbatical from the University of KY, I was able to spend 8 weeks at L'ecole Lesage in Paris where I completed their professional course in Haute Couture Embroidery. Since then I have been teaching the technique in fashion schools in the US and Canada, in classes at the RSN, Italy and Mexico.
https://tambourbeading.us/about
Exhibitions, programs, and operations are made possible by NUMU’s Board of Directors & Circle Members, the Michael & Alyce Parsons Art Endowment, Peggy & Phil Koen, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Borgenicht Foundation, the Flick Family, Jan Schwartz & Bob Baden, Ranae DeSantis, The Poncetta Charitable Fund, the Town of Los Gatos, and SVCreates, in partnership with the County of Santa Clara.
NUMU's mission is to make programming accessible to all. Donations directly support the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs. Please contribute whatever you are able.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
New Museum Los Gatos + Art Studio, 106 East Main Street, Los Gatos, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 45.00