by Anna Robinson, first year student MPhil Textile Conservation. In the last week of October, the first-year students paid a visit to the Whitworth Art Gallery at University of Manchester. At the Gallery, we were treated to a whirlwind tour, including both public and behind-the-scenes spaces by the museum’s textile conservator, Ann French. The tour… Continue reading
Authors: Charlotte Cameron, Emma Smith, Eva Maria Catic – recent graduates, MPhil Textile Conservation An additional project for us in the second semester was the wet cleaning of a c.1930’s printed dress from our Karen Finch reference collection. The dress was to be used in a costume mounting practical undertaken by the first years, and volunteers from second year were asked… Continue reading
Marika Kesler and Aisling Macken, Conservation Assistants on the Pacific barkcloth project. As the project Situating Pacific Barkcloth Production in Time and Place wraps up, the objects to be returned to the partner institutions needed wrapping up as well. We joined the project for the final three months to finalise photography, conservation, and storage of… Continue reading
By first and second year students, MPhil Textile Conservtion (2017-2018), compiled by Laura G García Vedrenne. The MPhil in Textile Conservation programme requires constant hard work to get good results. Every treatment, assignment, or lecture is worthy of full attention. However, there comes a moment when students have to get out of class and give… Continue reading
by Kayla Silvia, 1st year student, MPhil Textile Conservation We often take it for granted that our textiles can be thrown in the washing machine but this semester I found out how much more complicated it is to wash historic textiles. Wet or aqueous cleaning is a conservation treatment that uses water and/or additives (i.e.… Continue reading
Dr Karen Finch OBE, 8th May 1921 – 15th April 2018. I am very sorry to pass on the news that Karen died peacefully, at home, on Sunday 15 April. She is mourned by her daughter, Katrina, her son-in-law Alan and her beloved grandsons Joshua and Jacob. Katrina wrote, “We shall forever miss the extraordinary person… Continue reading
Frances Lennard, Professor of Textile Conservation. The MPhil Textile Conservation programme has a new convenor: Karen Thompson has recently taken over the role from Frances Lennard, who has led the programme since it was established at the University of Glasgow in 2010, and before that at the Textile Conservation Centre, University of Southampton. The programme… Continue reading
By Kim Tourret, first year student, MPhil Textile Conservation. One of the reasons I chose to undertake my student work placement at the Museum of London was the chance to work with a social history collection, and as a Londoner the opportunity to work with objects that are inextricably linked to London and its history… Continue reading
Frances Lennard An unexpected vacancy has arisen on the programme beginning in September 2017 and further applications are welcome. The application deadline is Monday 24 July. Interviews will be held, in person or by skype, on Tuesday 8/ Wednesday 9 August. Depending on need, bursary funding will be available for UK/EU or overseas students.… Continue reading
By Laura G. García Vedrenne, first year student, MPhil in Textile Conservation. Different types of soiling can be found altogether in historic textiles. When this happens, conservators find it useful to classify or characterize each type of soiling in order to match its removal with a specific cleaning process. To sum it up: the best way… Continue reading
