First Showing Of 14th To 18th Century Vestments Collection In East Hampton

A collection of ecclesiastical vestments that date back as far as the Renaissance and the late Middle Ages will go on public display, for the first time, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in East Hampton in May.

The liturgical garments belong to Jill Lasersohn, an East Hampton resident and textile expert. There will be 45 pieces—just a small fraction of her 3,000-piece collection—on display in the exhibition titled “Sacred Threads.” Many of the priestly garments will be familiar to those who have attended Christian sermons, though it may be the first time guests learn their names, such as chasuble, dalmatic, stole and ophrey.

One St. Luke’s chapel will hold garments and fragments from the 1300s through 1500s, and a second chapel will display 17th and 18th century pieces.

“I didn’t set out to collect ecclesiastical clothing and articles but they tend to be the best preserved of older fabric,” said Ms. Lasersohn, who studied textiles at Michigan State University. She has amassed her collection through dealers that also sell to museums, through auctions, and by shopping at flea markets on her travels through Europe.

A benefit party, for $150 per person, will take place at St. Luke’s on Saturday, May 7, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The public exhibition opens Sunday, May 8, and will remain on display until May 30. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays. Group visits, by appointment, will be available Wednesdays.

The suggested donation for visitors is $20 per person. Proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels, The Retreat, East End Hospice, Maureen’s Haven, St. Luke’s Brown Bag Lunch and Laundry Love.

St. Luke’s is located at 18 James Ln, East Hampton.