An outstanding anniversary exhibition honoring 50 years of the Basil Papantoniou Foundation and its work to study, preserve, and share modern Greek culture and creativity with the public, Weft and Warp takes visitors on a journey through the Foundation’s fascinating collections.
To celebrate fifty years of its work researching, documenting, studying, preserving, and showcasing culturally significant objects, the Basil Papantoniou Foundation (BPF) has partnered with the Benaki Museum to present Weft and Warp: The Artful Fabric of the Basil Papantoniou Foundation, an exceptional showcase of the BPF’s work.
Founded in 1974 by Ioanna Papantoniou, the Basil Papantoniou Foundation celebrates the wealth and complex heritage of modern Greek material culture and clothing. The exhibition explores the history of clothing, highlighting items from the BPF’s extraordinary collections and weaving together elements that connect the past and its traditions to the present and the innovations and challenges of tomorrow.
Taking a two-pronged approach, Weft and Warp is structured in two sections: The first, titled “The Artful Fabric of the Basil Papantoniou Foundation,” tells the story of the BPF and its founder, from the early days in the city of Nafplio, and introduces visitors to various aspects of the Foundation’s work and collections. The second, titled “Thoughts and Ideas for the Fashion Museum of Tomorrow,” highlights aspects of the tapestry of processes, relationships, and ideas that have always surrounded the significance of clothing in human societies, and outlines Ioanna Papantoniou’s vision for a Greek Museum of Fashion.
Weft and Warp: The Artful Fabric of the Basil Papantoniou Foundation runs through January 12, 2025, and can be visited at the Benaki Museum’s Pireos 138 location in Athens.
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WHEN AND WHERE
WEFT AND WARP: The Artful Fabric of the Basil Papantoniou Foundation
September 9, 2024 to January 12, 2025
Organized by the Basil Papantoniou Foundation and Benaki Museum
Benaki Museum – Pireos 138
138 Pireos Street and Andronikou Street, Athens 11854
T: +30 210 345 3111
www.benaki.org
Denim jacket from Dimitris Dassios’s “I Arta ke ta Yiannena” collection, inspired by the “Amalia” dress
Official court dress worn by ladies-in-waiting, as established by Queen Olga
Extraordinary garments from the BPF’s collection
The cycle of life – marriage
Traditional bridal wear from Kymi, Evia (18th century)
Greek fashion
