Research Project: Does Waxing Really Hurt? A Study into the Use of Beeswax as a Sewing Thread
Conditioner with Specific Reference to Metal Thread Embroidery
During the last three years I have had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of tapestries and textile objects at both Historic Royal Palaces and the Victoria and Albert Museum. In my first year I worked on a number of projects at the V&A, including the initial stages of conservation of a 15th century tapestry. I was able to travel to Belgium to see this tapestry cleaned.
For my second and third years I have been privileged to work as part of a team with Historic Royal Palaces on a number of varied projects, including the deinstallation and installation of costume exhibits, and the conservation of a group of trumpet banners and a state bed. Preventive conservation and general collection care has played a continuous role throughout the course of study and I have taken part in the annual high-level cleaning of a state bed, throne canopies and tapestry.
During the summer of 2006 I spent eight weeks conserving tapestries at the National Trust Textile Conservation Studio in Norfolk, and in my third and final year I have chosen to concentrate on all stages of tapestry conservation, working as part of a team on an early 18th century tapestry and a mid-17th century tapestry from Hampton Court Palace.
I would like to thank the conservators at Historic Royal Palaces and the V&A for their continued encouragement, and the Friends of the V&A, and the Worshipful Company of Clothworkers for their generous financial support.
Specialism:
Conservation of Tapestries and Textiles in Historic Interiors, with Historic Royal Palaces