Meet Marianna
Photo courtesy of Sr. Monica Clare, CSJB
Marianna Garthwaite Klaiman
is a textile historian specializing in the study of Anglican and Episcopal ecclesiastical textiles. For over thirty years she has been an Associate of the Community of St. John Baptist caring for and cataloguing their extensive collection of vestments, paraments and archival materials.
With a degree in Art History and a talent for fine embroidery and handwork, Marianna first began her career as a curator at The Hermitage historic house museum working with their costume and textile collection. She also established her own business as a textile conservator and exhibition specialist working for private collectors and institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum, New York Historical Society, Museum of the Moving Image, Seton Hall University and others.
Because of her extensive knowledge of fashion and textiles she was hired by Sotheby’s auction house, first as an exhibition and conservation specialist for its Fashion Department and then as its director. When Sotheby’s restructured its operations Marianna transferred into the executive division of worldwide marketing and then into Sotheby’s real estate company.
Marianna has spent the past twenty years working in New York City residential real estate, most recently as a team administrator at the Corcoran Group. During this time she has alway maintained her interest in and study of ecclesiastical textiles. Since her retirement from real estate in June 2023 she has devoted herself to a research project called Sacristies of New York: Textile Treasures of the Episcopal Church.
“Since Marianna has traveled and viewed many collections in the vast New York State Episcopal communities, not only does she keep broadening her depth and exposure, she can recognize and point out similarities and connections among our vestments and neighboring parishes. With her excellent documentational and recording skills this opens up, as one example, opportunities to trace the movement of the art of vestment production with a very strong presence from the needleworkers from the Community of St. John Baptist with its American origins from the late 19th century.”
Marlene Eidelheit, Director, The Textile Conservation Laboratory, Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, NYC
“Marianna’s knowledge and skill have been invaluable in the inventory and care of our vestments and textiles here at St. Michael’s. We are a prime example of the kinds of churches and institutions she works with: a historic church with some beautiful antique textiles, many of which have been poorly stored and cared for over the years. Marianna has helped catalogue, organize, repair and care for vestments and altar hangings both old and new. She has been a true gift in helping us care for these beautiful items.”
The Rev. Katharine Flexer, Rector, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, NYC
“She has been an invaluable friend to the Community of St. John Baptist and her expertise in preservation of ecclesiastical embroidery and textiles has saved many treasures from being lost. The sacred art of ecclesiastical embroidery is a vital part of the church's spiritual life, and we hope that Marianna's book will bring attention to its importance and draw new people into the work of preserving the past and creating beautiful works in the future.”
Sister Monica Clare, Sister Superior, The Community of St. John Baptist, Mendham, NJ