TAA IN ENGLISH

Welcome at TAA, the first national women's association of the Netherlands. The history of "Tesselschade-Arbeid Adelt" (TAA) is old, but its traditions are fully alive. Since the incorporation in 1871 until today, TAA has had only one objective: to support women in their aim for economic independence. TAA still plays a significant role in this respect. This is done in two ways: by the sale of quality handicraft products and via financial support to women on their way to economic independence. Besides that TAA endeavours to conserve the knowledge and preservation of handicraft techniques. Our association consists of volunteers, handicraft women and over 10,000 members who make the work of TAA possible. For as long as there are women in the Netherlands who need our support in creating an independent life, TAA will continue to exist (full information on aims and objectives). Please note: all links - marked white - are in Dutch.

Betsy Perk-Education Fund (Betsy Perk-Opleidingsfonds  BPO).
TAA is aiming to stimulate and support women in their goal for economic independence, and this is realised via the Betsy Perk-Education Fund. The objective of the Betsy Perk-Education Fund is to give financial support to women for the costs of their education providing that their study will give them the perspective of achieving economic independence in the future. The fund is named after Betsy Perk (1833-1906) the founder of  Algemeen Nederlandsche Vrouwenvereeniging "Arbeid Adelt" and is managed according to her principles that still apply today.

Many different studies can qualify for a grant by BPO, including university studies or vocational studies at different levels. It is essential that a study is state-approved and offers opportunities on the labour market. Following requests for grants do not qualify: all non-state-approved studies; traineeships and study-researches abroad; visits to international congresses; graduation researches; printing costs of theses; post-graduate studies and any second university study. How to apply? Please send an e-mail to taa@tesselschade-arbeidadelt.nl, giving personal details and short background information. You will be contacted by a committee-member of BPO.

Handicraft
Once you have bought an item from TAA you know immediately that you have an authentic handicraft article, in a modern form. A small sample from the original and modern articles that are made by the handycraft women of each TAA department: embroidered tablecloths and tea cosies, accessories for sports like bridge and golf, as well as baby- and toddler presents and presents for home and garden.

Shops and Fairs
TAA shops and branches are located throughout The Netherlands. Our fine handicraft products are also sold at fairs, organised by TAA branches. You are most welcome! For dates and locations check the agenda.  Any questions on a TAA article? Send your question by e-mail to taa@tesselschade-arbeidadelt.nl, stating your name and address and the branch in your area will get in touch with you.

Handicraft Techniques
In 1999 the Articles of Association of TAA were amended to the effect that handicraft techniques should be preserved. Persian reverse appliqué, Richelieu cut-work and white-on-white embroidery are examples of techniques which once formed part of the art of handicraft and which were also taught on an academic level. As a first result of this a DVD has been compiled giving basic information on more than 30 techniques. More information on this DVD and an orderform are available on this site.

Membership and supporting TAA
In order to enable TAA to continue its work, your support is vital. You can help us by becoming a member and by buying our handicraft products. The membership fee amounts to a minimum of € 10.= per year. Higher contributions are welcome, entirely at your own discretion, but greatly appreciated. Through these contributions more women can be supported under TAA’s motto "Elck syn waerom", literal translation "Every person to her own".

If you wish to become a member, please send an e-mail to taa@tesselschade-arbeidadelt.nl stating your name and address (street, town and province), or fill in the subsciption form. Your subscription will be sent to the TAA branch in your area, as you become a member of the national organisation via a TAA branch. This TAA branch will also send you a bill for payment of the membership fee. You will be informed on the dates of their fairs and from the national secretariat you will receive TAA's annual report.

Of course there are also possibilities to support TAA by considering a lumpsum grant or a periodical grant (donaties) . Legacies should be made by way of public deed by a notary public. For grants and legacies we advise you to contact your notary public and/or tax consultant.

History
On 17 October 1871 the Algemeene Nederlandsche Vrouwenvereeniging "Arbeid Adelt" was founded by Betsy Perk (1853-1906). The objective was quite revolutionary for that time. Betsy wanted to give women of the middle and higher social classes the opportunity to work for money. In those days the so called "civilised women" were deemed to dedicate their lives to those of their husbands and children. For those who did not marry, work as a governess, caring for elderly relatives or piano playing awaited.

Thanks to Betsy Perks' initiative a handicraft fair was organised in Delft on 7 December 1871. A particular aspect hereof was that the names of the handicraft women were disclosed on the work produced. This meant a courageous step by these women who openly admitted that they wanted to earn money. The fair was a great success. The newspapers were full of the event and even Queen Sophie was present and later everyone talked about it. Moreover, the queen decided to become the patroness of the young association thus supporting the work of Betsy Perk. But within the association "Arbeid Adelt" conservative forces were active. After fierce discussions "Tesselschade" split off from the association. In "Tesselschade" civilised women could sell handicraft without disclosing their name.

In the decades after the incorporation both associations continued working on the path chosen by themselves. The number of women applying for financial support increased. This number grew dramatically when the associations started giving grants to women who wanted to follow a professional training. The associations acted for many years as intermediaries for "civilised women" who were looking for a job. Tesselschade even had special intermediary offices. This association also organised the training "Help for the Mother", which was meant for nannies.
In the First and Second World Wars the associations continued their work adapted to the circumstances. In the years after World War II and in accordance with the spirit of reconstruction, the idea of a merger was born. This idea was also related to a "hands-on" future. The social circumstances for women had changed and more and more women found a paid job. After a successful "needle fair" in 1947 - for which also Queen Wilhelmina and Princess Juliana lent their handicraft - in principle a merger decision was taken. After lengthy discussions about organisational matters the merger became a fact: on 1 January 1953 "Tesselschade-Arbeid Adelt" was born.

Publications
In 1996 a beautiful jubilee book was published called "Toekomst door Traditie" (Future by Tradition): 125 years of Tesselschade-Arbeid Adelt, written by Vilan van de Loo. More information on this book and an orderform are available on the site.

For further information on TAA please send an e-mail to taa@tesselschade-arbeidadelt.nl