Apart from any wear they may have suffered when being used for their original purpose, textiles are easily harmed by touch, light, heat and moisture, besides being prey to insects.
The Trust’s textile collection is one of the largest in the UK, and of international importance. It numbers more than 50,000 individual items, including many rare and precious objects. Their preservation is facilitated by the Trust’s only in-house conservation studio.
The National Trust's Textile Conservation Studio provides properties with advice and practical help for their display, storage and care and carries out the conservation of many of the most important textiles itself.
A centre of excellence for textile conservation
The National Trust's Textile Conservation Studio, in Norfolk, is a centre of excellence committed to ensuring the Trust’s remarkable collection of historic textiles is protected for the future. It provides expert advice and services to all of the Trust's properties.
The studio, at Oulton on the Blickling estate, was commissioned by the Trust in 1999 to address the growing needs of the textile conservation team, then based at Blickling Hall.
The growing demand for conservation work and the lack of capacity to accommodate technological advances meant that new premises had to be found.
Sharing our skills
The specialist knowledge developed at the studio is essential to ensuring that textile conservation skills are passed on to future generations. The studio is committed to sharing its expertise by training new conservators through an internship scheme, and by offering short-term work placements. Students from home and abroad have taken advantage of these opportunities.
The improved facilities and increased space at the studio will ensure that the Trust will be able to protect and conserve its many historic textiles, offer an expert service to other organisations and private clients, share its expertise and pass these skills on to future generations.
Commissions for conservation work on textiles and tapestries
Please contact:
The National Trust Textile Conservation Studio
Malthouse Barn
The Street
Oulton
Norwich NR11 6AF
Please note that advice cannot be given over the telephone. We do need to see the item to assess its condition and estimate the work involved. An appointment must be booked and there is a charge for this service.
Conservation close-up: visiting the Textile Studio
Guided tours may be arranged for parties of up to 25 people. For information on dates and charges, please write to the Administrator at the above address.
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