Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Unless noted, digital media are not available online. Copies of unrestricted digital files will be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request. Access will be provided to use copies of unrestricted digital files rather than carrier media, such as CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. Some or all electronic files may be unavailable or restricted due to privacy reasons, agreement with the donor, software is not available to interact with files, or because files cannot be retrieved from original media.
The William H. Harriss Collection of Modern Fabrics contains fabric samples dating from 1958 to 1995.
The William H. Harriss Collection of Modern Fabrics was established on August 2, 1957 in honor of William H. Harriss, an 1895 alumnus of North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (now NC State University). He worked at The Sanforized Company in several capacities including textile consultant until he retired at the age of 87.
The majority of the fabrics were donated by the Sanforized division of Cluett, Peabody and Company of New York in honor of Harriss' many years of service to the textile industry. Sanforized fabric made it possible to wash clothes without shrinkage. The collection also contains fabrics from other companies as well as textiles created by the NC State University School (now College) of Textiles. The collection was created to serve as a teaching collection for the study of textile fabrics and technologies and was originally housed in the Textiles Library.
The William H. Harriss Collection of Modern Fabrics contains fabric samples dating from 1958 to 1995. Samples are full width or small sample swatches with a few oversized rolled items. Each label includes the accession number, name of the fabric, type of the fabric or fiber, width of the sample, and name of the manufacturer. An index containing tradename, fiber, fabric construction, technology, manufacturer, country of manufacture (if different from the United States), special features, and end uses is included.
Collection includes a wide variety of fabrics such as cotton, rayon, acetate, flax, nylon, taffeta, denim, lace, and silk in patterns such as floral, stripe, plaid, jacquard, paisley, and seersucker in all different color profiles.
Collection is arranged in three series: 1. Guides to Samples, 2. Large Samples, 3. Small Samples. Swatches are arranged by fabric number within the series.
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.
[Identification of item], William H. Harriss Collection of Modern Fabrics, MC 00790, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
Transferred from the College of Textiles.
Processed by: Noah Anderson, 2025 August; Collection guide written by: Cathy Dorin-Black, 2025 August; Additional processing by Lauren Land, 2026 February; Collection guide updated by Cathy Dorin-Black, 2026 February
The collection is organized into three principal series:
This guide includes information on the history and original purpose of the Harriss Collection, how to read the labels attached to the samples, display and storage, and conservation and cleaning.
The Large Fabric Samples series contains hanging swatches that are approximately 14 x 8 inches. The label includes information about the name of the fabric, fabric or fiber type, and name of manufacturer.
Decorated Sari. Oversized swatch.
Sari with Gold. Oversized swatch.
Handle with care, fabric is contained in a bag due to shedding.
Damask Banner, oversized swatch
Oversized swatches
Fabric was unlabeled/unnumbered. Oversized swatch.
Oversized swatches
The Small Samples series contains approximately 2 x 2 inch swatches attached to large index cards. Cards include date of accession; type of fiber, yarn, or fabric; fabric construction; production technology; distributor; donor; historical information; and end uses.
Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Unless noted, digital media are not available online. Copies of unrestricted digital files will be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request. Access will be provided to use copies of unrestricted digital files rather than carrier media, such as CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. Some or all electronic files may be unavailable or restricted due to privacy reasons, agreement with the donor, software is not available to interact with files, or because files cannot be retrieved from original media.
For more information contact us via mail, phone, or our web form.
Mailing address:
Special Collections Research Center
Box 7111
Raleigh, NC, 27695-7111
Phone: (919) 515-2273
[Identification of item], William H. Harriss Collection of Modern Fabrics, MC 00790, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.