Autumn – 2008

I am a senior concentrating in the History of Art and Architecture at Harvard University. My studies and research in the past four years have focused primarily on modern and contemporary art, with an emphasis on the fiber arts and crafts. I am currently writing a thesis on historical and contemporary quilting and I am conducting two Independent Studies in knitting, one focusing on hands?on design and the other focusing on theory.

Through my studies and activities during college, I have developed a strong intellectual and personal interest in arts and crafts, knitting in particular. Exploring the historical and contemporary foundation of this realm has enabled me to merge my skills as a writer and academic with my passion for the hands?on aspects of knitting and quilting. Being President of the Student Friends of Harvard University Art Museums taught me important leadership skills and how to organize and encourage interest in the arts. Writing a weekly Arts column for the school newspaper allowed me to articulate my interest in various aspects of the art world.

In addition, my work experience has enforced my academic exploration of the arts and crafts and enabled me to explore different aspects of this field. Working at the Fogg Art Museum gave me the opportunity to interact with historical and traditional artworks while my internship at the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum introduced me to the study and preservation of textiles. My most recent internship at Classic Elite Yarns, part of the Professional Pathways into the NeedleArts program, exposed me to the many facets of the yarn and knitting industry, including the professional design process and managing customer relations within the wholesale market.

Download Philippa Eccles’ Resume