'All that glisters is not gold': the appreciation of religious textiles in the Netherlands and the formulation of selection criteria for retention or disposal

Approximately 25 percent of Catholic Church property in The Netherlands consists of textiles. Selection within liturgical textile collections is a necessity due to the larming rate at which churches are closing and the sheer numbers of objects within these edifices. It is unrealistic to assume that entire collections can be saved; value, quality and quantity play a role. This paper gives an insight into the formulation of criteria to make a sound selection of religious textiles and to assess the value of this vulnerable and undervalued historical heritage. The selection criteria should do justice to both the scientific and the emotional/spiritual significance of religious textiles. Defining comparative assessment criteria will aid in establishing the object’s value in terms of its significance. The assessment of objects should not be seen as a static activity but should be flexible and adapted according to context and changing ethical considerations over time. The manner of selection can be an important step to preserve this specific heritage.