Not everything about wool is warm and fuzzy. “Fleeced: Unraveling the History of Wool and War” is a new book that explores how the heightened demand for wool in wartime existed in an international vortex of negotiation, intrigue, and anxiety—and its unexpected effect on how we dress today. Join us to learn more about this fascinating topic when co-author Madelyn Shaw will present a talk and sign copies of the book, which will be available for sale after the talk (cash only).

Co-authors Trish FitzSimons and Madelyn Shaw bring Australian and US perspectives, respectively, to the 19th century rise of industrial production of woolen fabrics and Southern hemisphere sheep culture, which supported the enormous increase in the size of armies in the 20th century. Fleeced”  illuminates the fascinating and previously untold history of how shortages of wool in wartime shaped our current reliance on synthetic fibers—source of widespread microplastic pollution—and the mountains of discarded fast fashion they have enabled.

Free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but those who register at least three days prior to the event will receive an email reminder. Register below or contact the library for assistance.

Co-Author Madelyn Shaw is an independent curator and award-winning author specializing in the exploration of American culture and history, and its international connections, through textiles and dress. Her curatorial experience and publications span decades at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, the Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, New Bedford Whaling Museum, The Textile Museum, Washington DC, and the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC.

Co-Author Trish FitzSimons (who is unavailable to appear at this event) is a documentary filmmaker and exhibition curator with a passion for social and cultural history. She was a professor, and is currently adjunct professor, at the Griffith Film School, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia. Documents and letters associated with her wool-buyer grandfather’s 1905-07 sojourn in England and the US as he learned the wool trade were a key impetus to and resource for this project.