Conservation of Leather 20 to 23 Apr 2026 with Mike Redwood and Rosie Bolton

Object and Materials Conservation

Ref: M3D39076

Location: West Dean

£810

Places available

About this course

Leather can be found in a wide range of objects and has been used over many centuries and across the globe. This course is designed both to explore the history, manufacture and chemistry of leather and to review current practice in its conservation, offering those working in conservation the chance to refresh your knowledge of latest techniques. You will learn through a range of lectures, demonstrations and practical sessions. The course will be presented by three leading practitioners working and teaching in this specialist area.
Using a wide range of examples, the course will provide an overview and basis for understanding an approach to leather conservation and developing an appropriate methodology for solving conservation problems, including techniques and materials.
The practical sessions are designed to give an opportunity for conservators to test a range of techniques and materials which they may be able to utilise or adapt for future projects.

Course Description

This course will outline the history and production of skin-based materials throughout the ages exploring different types of leather and their material properties. We will look at methods of identification including species and tannage and explore various deterioration phenomena through presentation, examination, and analytical techniques. Principles of preventive conservation specific to leather and related materials will be presented, including health and safety concerns. This will be followed by practical sessions that are designed to provide an opportunity for conservators to test a range of techniques and materials which they may be able to utilise or adapt for future projects. Practical sessions include looking at cleaning materials and techniques, humidification, stabilisation, and the use of various adhesives and repair materials suitable for leather. Presentation of current discussions and techniques within the field, such as the use of new analytical methods and nanotechnology, will ensure students have an up-to-date understanding of the sector. Using a wide range of examples, the course will provide an overview and basis for understanding leather conservation and developing an appropriate methodology for solving conservation problems, including interventive techniques and materials.

Course Materials

What students need to bring

Although, due to time constraints, we cannot undertake a conservation project, you are invited to bring objects or details via photos/memory stick for discussion and treatment tests. All materials required will be supplied but please bring personal conservation hand tools. International students are not required to bring any tools with them.

Timetable

Day 1
4pm-6.45pm: Registration
6.45pm: Welcome talk
9pm: Dinner

Day 2
Teaching starts at 9am and finishes at 6pm with breaks for lunch and refreshments

Day 3
Teaching starts at 9am and finishes at 6pm with breaks for lunch and refreshments

Day 4
Teaching starts at 9am. Course Ends after lunch (approximately 1.45pm)

General Information

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Mike Redwood

Mike had a long career managing tanneries around the world and was for many years a Visiting Professor at the University of Northampton in its world-leading Institute for Creative Leather Technologies. He is also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Glovers, a Freeman of the Leathersellers’ Company and a Trustee of The Leather Conservation Centre.

Rosie Bolton

After her degree in Fine Art, Rosie completed a Graduate Diploma in Conservation of Book and Library materials at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. She has been a full-time member of the LCC Team since 2016 and is the Studio Manager.