V&A Museum, London 

This is one of the most extensive textile collection in the world. The national collection of Textiles covers a period of more than 2000 years. It has a broad geographic range with a particular emphasis on Europe. Most techniques are represented, including woven, printed and embroidered textiles, lace, tapestries and carpets. These are classified by technique, countries of origin and dates of production. Particularly rich areas of the collections are the early silks from the Near East, lace, European tapestries and English medieval church embroidery. Strong points: Indian textiles, English textiles, Embroidery, kilts.