Bright blue December skies bought the sun to Glasgow to celebrate the graduation of students from the MPhil Textile Conservation Programme (2022-2023). It is a fabulous opportunity to share the successes, the culmination of two years of hard work and commitment, with the students and their families. The Gothic revival building, the prestigious Bute Hall in the main University of Glasgow building which was designed by George Gilbert Scott (1870 – 1877), provided a fitting setting for conservation students to celebrate their graduation with its arts and crafts inspired stained glass windows with ornate wood and painted pillars.
Dressing up is part of the spectacle so we all attended in our finery. After the academic procession to the sound of Gaudeamus Igitur, a song performed at many graduation ceremonies, the students were called up to receive their degree with the traditional symbolic “capping” where the Chancellor places a cap over the graduand’s head and says a few words symbolising their transition from graduand to graduate. Friends and family are encouraged to show enthusiastic support as the students go up to graduate. Whooping and clapping was very much encouraged creating a great atmosphere to celebrate the amazing achievement of the graduates. After the formal ceremony we were led by a piper to process around the quad in the late afternoon sun before enjoying several glasses of ‘champagne’ and sharing in the celebrations with the friends and family.
This year we wanted to share some of the graduates thoughts on the day and hear about what they are doing now…
Tabby (Gibbs)
It was a lovely experience to attend our graduation in the impressive setting of Bute Hall. What made it most special was the opportunity to share the moment with my classmates and lecturers, who were so supportive throughout the course. My time in Glasgow will be remembered as two wonderful years, filled with hard work, but also many great experiences. I am delighted to now be employed as a practicing textile conservator at Zenzie Tinker Conservation, where I have already worked on some amazing projects. So far, my favourite has been the treatment of an almost 3000-year-old Egyptian bag tunic belonging to Irtyru discovered by Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon in 1909, in preparation for an exhibition at West Berkshire Museum. I feel proud to now be part of the community of past graduates from the course and look forward to watching all the amazing things my cohort achieve as emerging professionals in conservation.
Scarlet (Faro)
Graduation day was the perfect ending to an incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable course. It felt very special to be celebrating with tutors and friends, the joyful culmination of two years of focused dedication. Despite the challenges, I can reflect on some wonderful memories, have learnt valuable skills and made friends for life. I am thrilled to now be working at the National Trust Textile Conservation Studio since September, working on a fantastic variety of objects that have allowed me the opportunity to apply many of the skills learnt on the course. So, a big thank you to the tutors for providing such valuable knowledge and expertise – as well as a great deal of patience!
Scarlet is now enjoying working with Lois at the Blickling Studio, National Trust.
Gee (Roxas)
It’s difficult to think of anything I worked harder for than getting my MPhil Textile Conservation degree at the University of Glasgow, so I was glad I could make it to the graduation ceremony. My fellow graduates and I have moved on to begin our individual journeys as emerging conservators after spending almost every day together for two years, so it was great to see them again and celebrate our accomplishments together with some of our tutors. It was made even more special having some of our family around, especially for myself as mine have travelled all the way from the Philippines to witness this event. I am now working as a textile conservation intern at the British Library, putting into practice the lessons I learned from the course in the conservation of library and archival items made of or containing textiles.
Emma (Pattinson)
My time on the Textile Conservation programme was an intense period of learning and development that really pushed my comfort zones and has enabled me to take the first steps on my dream career. Particular highlights included the placement in the summer of first year, which gave my first taster of what it might be like working as a Textile Conservator for real, and working with ‘real life’ museum clients on some of my class projects.
Studying on the programme can present different challenges. I would advise students to reach out for help as early as possible if needed. I spoke to teachers and the University’s Disability Office and also had help applying for tuition funding from the Textile Conservation Foundation. Other sources of assistance include Student Learning Development (SLD), the Hardship Fund and the Counselling Service. The network of course alumni has been very welcoming and supportive. Students in my cohort remain close friends too. It has been lovely to have a support network like this on leaving the programme, as well as a range of professional contacts from visiting lecturers and our times on placement.
I am now half-way through a one-year internship with the National Museums of Scotland and am enjoying putting as much of my learning into practice as I can. I am working on objects for an upcoming exhibition on Scotland and the Cold War (opens July 2024) and am planning a courier trip to Shetland, among many other projects!
As Lois’s comments sum up, the graduates are ready and keen to embark on new adventures:
Lois (Glithero): I really enjoyed my time in Glasgow and couldn’t have asked for a more thorough and practical approach to conservation which has prepared me for my current role working for the National Trust.
With special thanks to Lois, Tabby, Gee, Scarlet and Emma for their contributions to this blog. And wishing the very best Lauren and Shannon too. Some of the group will join the summer graduations so they have all this to look forward to.
Being able to congratulate the graduates is a very proud moment for us as they start their exciting new journeys.
Congratulations to you all!
From the Textile Conservation Teaching Team
How lovely to read of December’s graduation ceremony and the celebrations shared by staff and students. And it’s so uplifting to hear from the graduates that they’re all now working in such a brilliant selection of workplaces. Congratulations to all!