Conservation students to work on UK’s largest public collections of contemporary textiles
Published: 16 August 2013
Two conservation students from the University of Glasgow have been employed this summer to help conserve the Portcullis House Contemporary Textile Collection
Two conservation students from the University of Glasgow have been employed this summer to help conserve the Portcullis House Contemporary Textile Collection.
The Parliamentary Curator’s Office launched the Emerging Conservators Training Scheme to provide students with a unique opportunity to work on one of the UK’s largest public collections of contemporary textiles, whilst developing practical skills under the guidance of experienced textile conservator, Zenzi Tinker.
The works of leading UK textile artists Kate Blee, Allegra Hicks, Jennie Moncur, Helen Yardley were selected as part of the original building design for Portcullis House, which opened in 2001. The building’s architect, Sir Michael Hopkins, selected textiles for their decorative and practical use as they soften the acoustics in Select Committee Meeting rooms.
Also in the Collection are two important sets of tapestries commissioned by the House of Commons for the new building designed and woven by the West Dean Tapestry Studio. All the textiles have been in situ since the building opened, and after more than ten years they are now in need of care to ensure they survive in good condition for future generations to enjoy.
The scheme will provide training in surface cleaning, minor repairs, attachment of linings, improvement of existing mounting and hanging systems, and re-installation. The conservators will also document their work throughout the project, and will learn about the history of the Parliamentary Art Collection and the commissioning of these textiles.
The scheme will run throughout August with members of the public invited to learn more about the artworks and the conservation project on Saturday 21 September as part of Open House London.
Jennifer Beasley, The University of Glasgow, Centre for Textile Conservation student, said: “This scheme has given me practical experience of working on location, away from the studio. It has also allowed me to work with large objects which is vital to building a great portfolio of work.”
Stella Gardner, The University of Glasgow, Centre for Textile Conservation student, said:
“The project offered a brilliant opportunity to work as a team on large, modern tapestries, something we had not been able to cover on the university course. The training and experience gained from this month’s project will be hugely beneficial for any future jobs in conservation.”
*Photo by Parliamentary Copyright
First published: 16 August 2013
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