Guest blog post Talking Textiles is a once monthly event held at the Constance Howard Gallery, Goldsmiths, University of London. It provides the opportunity for visitors to view and discuss a selection of textiles from the Goldsmiths Textile Collection and then to share their own textile projects in an informal atmosphere over tea and coffee. The event is lead by Lizzie Cannon, Cataloguing Assistant at the Goldsmith Textile Collection and practicing artist with a background in Textiles. The emphasis is on encouraging discussion and enquiry and sharing knowledge and ideas amongst participants from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Conversations typically cross between technique, historical and cultural context, and artistic interpretation and inspiration. The Goldsmiths Textile Collection has evolved over the years from a small teaching collection initiated by Audrey Walker in the 1980s to the rich and eclectic collection of over 4000 items that it is today, housed in a purpose built archive and exhibition space. Including textile art, embroidery and dress from around the world and a range of teaching materials and experimental samples, the collection provides a stimulating source of materials for each themed discussion, with highlights to date including ‘Textiles from Latin America’, ‘Pleats’ , ‘Knots and nets’ and a Christmas orientated session on ‘The colour red’. Upcoming dates can be found at www.gold.ac.uk Talking Textiles – Goldsmiths Textile Collection, Goldsmiths, University of London [embed]https://vimeo.com/146015543%20[/embed] Image credits Linda Litchfield, 'Hunter' (2007), altered hunting jacket with embroidery and stand, held at Goldsmiths Textile Collection, Library, Goldsmiths, University of London. Traditional Hmong tie on skirt, mid 20^th Century, Northern Thailand, held at Goldsmiths Textile Collection, Library, Goldsmiths, University of London. Detail of sample of student work made under Constance Howard, late 1960s/ early 1970s (maker unknown), held at Goldsmiths Textile Collection, Library, Goldsmiths, University of London.