Join textile conservator Rebecca Bissonnet for expert insights into how to care for and preserve historic textiles. Whether you are looking to incorporate historic textiles into an interior scheme, keep family heirlooms looking their best or simply curious about conservation processes, this day will be packed with useful advice. Rebecca will explain important conservation principles, before sharing case studies of her work carried out for the National Trust, Historic Royal Palaces and private clients. Learn about ‘agents of decay’ and pest management to ensure your own treasured textiles are stored or displayed as safely as possible.

In the afternoon session, there will be an inspirational visit to the V&A Museum led by art historian Francesca Herrick (students and tutors will be travelling together via Tube). We will explore historical factors that give textiles power and meaning. Highlights will include a stunning state bed, rare tapestries and exceptional embroideries. The course will end at the V&A museum, in South Kensington, at 5.15pm.

Who should attend?

• Anyone interested in textiles, history and conservation

Topics covered:

• Caring for historic textiles
• Conservation case studies
• Agents of decay and pest management
• Historic textiles in an interior design context
• The social and cultural meanings of textiles

Course outcomes:

• Explore key conservation principles
• Consider practical advice, including how to do a patch support
• Evaluate conservation versus restoration approaches
• Develop your knowledge of the main types of historic textiles and their origins

Included

In this course, the tutor will supply all of the materials for the morning stitch task.

What students need to bring

• Pencil, notebook and fine embroidery scissors
• Glasses for close work, if worn

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio; this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Student registration: 10.30am - 11am
Course teaching: 11am – 5.15pm 
Morning session: 11am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions