The Textile Conservation Studio

The Trust’s textile collections are of international importance, numbering nearly 100,000 individual items, the majority of these precious, and often unique objects, remain on display in the houses for which they were made or acquired.

 

These textiles boast a wide range of styles, materials and techniques. From grand furnishings such as state beds with rich hangings and trimmings to fine tapestries and costumes, they all help us connect directly with the people of our past.

 

The National Trust Textile Conservation Studio is our only specialist in-house textile conservation treatment facility. As well as ensuring our own significant textile collection is maintained, we also offer our expertise to external organisations and private clients.

 

Our team comprises of twelve trained conservators, a conservation assistant and a senior business support co-ordinator. Their experience and skills, added to the knowledge of other specialist Trust staff, results in multidisciplinary team working to find the best treatment solutions.

 

We provide a competitive textile conservation service and our expertise and specialist facilities enable us to treat the Trust’s most significant, and often complex textile projects, offering continuity of care and management.

 

The Textile Conservation Studio team travel all over the country visiting both National Trust properties and private houses to provide advice on the best way to look after their collections. Look out for us when you next visit.

 

Our studio treats textiles for both National Trust properties and private clients. Over the years we've worked on a huge range of projects, from the conservation of the King James II state bed to the continued conservation of Hardwick's great 16th-century tapestries.

 

At the Textile Conservation Studio we offer opportunities for students and conservation graduates to further their knowledge of the work we do through short term work placements and a two year internship.

 

The studio is not generally open to visitors, but we can offer groups the chance to come and have a look around and meet the team. Staff are also available to give talks and lectures about their work. But hurry we book up fast!

For a behind the scenes look at what the team are working on, follow our blog to find out about our latest textile conservation projects, the progress we're making and the story behind them.

 

Textile Conservation Studio

Malthouse Barn

Oulton Street

Norfolk

NR11 6AF

 

Telephone: 01263 735878