A Stitch in Time

I certainly agree with David Pagel’s enthusiasm for the embroidery from the Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute on exhibit at UCLA’s Fowler Museum and hope that many people will take this opportunity to see it, but it is not true that this provides “the first view outside China of the institute’s marvelous work” (“Fowler Museum Pairs Embroidery, Photos to Fascinating Effect,” March 31).

In 1974-75, two exhibits from China toured America. The better-known one displayed archeological treasures, but the other displayed artistic achievements in today’s China, including some pieces from the institute.

I was so impressed that I immediately determined to visit Suzhou, and on my first visit to China in 1988 skipped the day tour of Shanghai and took a taxi by myself to visit the institute and other Suzhou treasures. It remains my favorite Chinese city.

PATRICIA M. WOLFE, Los Angeles