The Hajji Baba Club is the oldest organization in America devoted to the study of oriental carpets and antique textiles. Founded in New York City in 1932, its original members included many collectors whose carpets and textiles now form principal holdings at several of our country’s major museums. Prominent collectors and textile scholars continue to be part of the HBC membership today, along with many other enthusiasts.
The club’s monthly meetings offer an opportunity to learn about antique textiles from lectures and presentations. Our customary in-person monthly meetings moved to virtual meetings via the Zoom platform in 2020. Our current schedule includes both in-person sessions and zoom presentations which are recorded and available to members.
The HBC sponsors research into the history of carpets and other textiles, and has funded both exhibitions and publications in the field. The club also organizes trips to both public institutions and private homes so that its membership can have an insider’s view of textiles not usually on display. The Hajji Baba Club accepts new members and welcomes anyone interested.
Learn more about our next meeting.
The Hajji Baba Club Research Fellowship, 2023-2024
The Hajji Baba Club Research Fellowship supports primary research in the field of carpet studies.
Eligibility: Applicants may be pre-doctoral candidates, hold a PhD, or demonstrate equivalent professional experience. Pre-doctoral candidates must be registered currently in a PhD program at an accredited university. Ineligible are residents of countries with which the U.S. has no direct diplomatic relations, applicants with commercial projects, and members of the HBC Board of Directors or Research Fellowship Committee.