Karen Finch, OBE, awarded honour for exceptional achievement

18th November 2015

The Trustees of the Textile Conservation Foundation are delighted to announce that Karen Finch, who founded the original Textile Conservation Centre (TCC) 40 years ago in 1975, has been awarded a prestigious prize by the Trustees of the Radcliffe Trust.

More grant success for the Centre for Textile Conservation

15th October 2015

The Leverhulme Trust  has made an award of £200,000 to the Centre for Textile Conservation, University of Glasgow, to carry out . There are many magnificent collections of tapestries in museums and historic houses but they are often in very weak condition, the result of many centuries’ exposure to light, pollution and handling.

The award will fund a new three-year research project, a collaboration between the Centre for Textile Conservation (CTC) and the School of Engineering at Glasgow University.

Major Research Grant Success for the Centre for Textile Conservation

18th September 2015

 The TCC's successor, the Centre for Textile Conservation, part of the University of Glasgow, is celebrating having secured two major research grants totalling over £1m.

Centre to hold international conference, 6th-7th December 2012

12th October 2012

An international conference on authenticity will be hosted on 6th-7th December 2012 by the Centre's Research Network for Textile Conservation, Dress and Textile History and Technical Art History. Find out more details here... 

Call for Papers from Centre for Textile Conservation and Technical Art History

16th January 2012

We invite contributions for a conference at the University of Glasgow on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 December 2012 which will explore issues of authenticity with reference to textile conservation, dress and textile history and technical art history. The Research Network is funded by The Getty Foundation.

Research Network for Textile Conservation, Dress and Textile History, and Technical Art History

16th September 2011

 The international Research Network for Textile Conservation, Dress and Textile History and Technical Art History was established at the Centre for Textile Conservation and Techincal Art History thanks to a grant from the Getty Foundation.  You can now keep up to date with developments through the Network's new webpages.

Karen Thompson joins the staff at the Centre for Textile Conservation and Technical Art History

14th September 2011

Karen Thompson is to join the staff of the Centre for Textile Conservation and Technical Art History at the beginning of October.  She will contribute to the teaching on the MPhil Textile Conservation programme, including the supervision of the second year students' practical work.

Congratulations to Professor Maria Hayward

3rd August 2011

Many congratulations to Professor Maria Hayward, who achieved this hugely well-deserved promotion on 1st August.

After graduating from the PG Diploma in Textile Conservation she spent some years working in the TCC's Conservation Services section, before leaving to pursue PhD research. Maria's PhD, at the London School of Economics (1993-97), was titled The Possessions of Henry VIII: a Study of Inventories.  Maria returned to the TCC where she held various academic roles, culminating in Head of Studies and Research (2000-2008) and also Director of the AHRC Research Centre for Textile Conservation and Textile Studies at the TCC from 2004 to 2007.  Maria is acknowledged as an international expert in material culture at thecourt of Henry VIII and on dress and textiles in the sixteenth and seventeen centuries.  

More recent publications by former TCC staff

26th July 2011

 We are delighted to inform you about the following new publications by Dr Mary Brooks and Dr Dinah Eastop:

'Changing Views of Textile Conservation' (2011) edited by Mary Brooks and Dinah Eastop

And two chapters in: 'The Routledge Companion to Museum Ethics. Redefining Ethics for the Twenty-First-Century Museum' (2011) edited by Janet Marstine.

Catalogue of the Feller Needlework Collection published

26th July 2011

The wonderful needlework collection of Micheál & Elizabeth Feller can now be seen in a new two volume catalogue by Dr Mary M Brooks (formerly a Reader at the TCC), Jacqueline Holdsworth and Elizabeth Feller.

The catalogue is published by the Needleprint Society and you can flick through the pages of the book if you follow this link to the book preview on the publisher's website.

Internship opportunity at the National Martime Museum

26th July 2011

Internship at the National Maritime MuseumThis is an outstanding opportunity for a recently graduated textile conservator to develop your skills and knowledge with our expert team. Under the guidance of the Head of Textile Conservation, your training will encompass the maintenance, conservation and restoration of a diverse range of objects within our world-renowned collections.

University Teacher in Textile Conservation

7th July 2011

Exciting New Masters in Dress and Textile Histories

24th June 2011

The MLitt in Dress and Textile Histories, a one year course which begins in September 2011, is now accepting applications for places on the course.

This exciting course explores textile production and consumption, fashion, taste, gender, ecclesiastic and civic interiors as well as shops and shopping.  If you are fascinated by the history of dress and textiles and want to learn about all aspects of curation, interpretation and preservation of dress and textiles in museums then this is the course for you. You will undertake a work placement as part of the course, this will give you a fantastic opportunity to put your new knowledge into practice and will enable you to begin the development of your professional network.

New Lecturer post in textile conservation

27th May 2011

A new post of Lecturer in Textile Conservation is being advertised by Glasgow University. The new Lecturer will work with Frances Lennard (Senior Lecturer) and the team on the MPhil Textile Conservation programme at the Centre for Textile Conservation and Technical Art History. The closing date for applications is 24th June 2011.

Dr Karen Finch OBE: 90th birthday on 8th May

27th April 2011

MA Textile Conservation dissertation abstracts

13th April 2011

 The file of abstracts from the dissertations of MA Textile Conservation students from 1999-2009 has been updated and uploaded to this site.  If you wish to download the file please follow this link.

Discount offer for Costume, Dress and Textile History journals

18th March 2011

TCC Japanese Alumni are safe

14th March 2011

Past students and staff will be worrying about the TCC's Japanese graduates after the terrible earthquakes and tsunami.  Just to let you know that Dinah Eastop and Kate Gill have been in touch with those graduates who are in Japan and report that all of them are safe and well.

Our heartfelt thoughts go out to all of those affected by this dreadful disaster.

Princess Royal opens Centre for Textile Conservation and Technical Art History

10th February 2011

HRH The Princess Royal officially opened The Centre for Textile Conservation and Technical Art History at the University of Glasgow today (Wednesday 9 February). The new Centre will focus on multidisciplinary object-based teaching and research that encompasses conservation and the physical sciences as well as art history, dress and textile history. It will be the first time that conservation training has been undertaken in Scotland.

MPhil Textile Conservation posts blog about her experience on the new course

12th November 2010

Julie Benner, one of the first intake of students on the MPhil Textile Conservation at the new Centre for Textile Conservation and Technical Art History, has posted an enthusiastic blog about her experience so far - to read just  follow this link.. Julie is from the USA and the blog is posted within the American Institute for Conservation's website.   

TCC Graduate is shortlisted for Conservation Awards 2010

12th October 2010

TCC graduate Sarah Owens has been shortlisted for one of the prestigious Conservation Awards.  The Student Conservator of the Year Award which is given to an exceptional project completed by a student during their training, illustrating best standard in conservation, collections care or research and innovation.  Sarah's conservation of an embroidered glove with an embroidered leather gauntlet, from

Update on the new Centre

13th August 2010

The new Centre for Textile Conservation, Textile History and Technical Art History has recruited its first staff: Frances Lennard, Anita Quye and Sarah Foskett.  Work is underway on the Lab and Conservation space, fundraising is well advanced and the first students begin their courses in September 2010.

Textile Conservation: Advances in Practice

6th May 2010

 Textile Conservation: Advances  in Practice, edited by former TCC Senior Lecturer Frances Lennard and Patricia Ewer has been published by Butterworth Heinemann.

Shetland Lace Knitting PhD Studentship

6th May 2010

Glasgow University's Department of History has announced a 3 year, fully funded studentship on 'The History of Lace Knitting in Shetland'.  This is funded through a 3 year AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Award scheme and is in partnership with Shetland Museum and Archives.

For more information consult the Glasgow University website - by following this link.

Future for the Textile Conservation Centre's work at Glasgow University

24th March 2010

Preserving the fabric of the nation’s treasures for future generations, a new textile conservation centre is to be established at the University of Glasgow.

The Textile Conservation Centre Foundation (TCCF) and the University of Glasgow have agreed to found the new teaching and research facility – the only resource of its kind in the UK – in the University’s Robertson Building.

Keep watching this space.....

2nd March 2010

We know that many people are keeping a regular eye on this website for news about a future for the key activities of the Textile Conservation Centre, following its closure by the University of Southampton at the end of October last year.

This message is to let you know that discussions are continuing and we hope to be able to make an announcement very soon - so do keep watching this space!

Successful outcomes of TCC tapestry research reported to the sector

19th February 2010

A dissemination event took place on 10th February 2010 to mark the end of an inter-disciplinary tapestry monitoring research project undertaken by researchers at the Textile Conservation Centre and the University of Southampton’s School of Engineering Sciences.

Abegg-Stiftung marks Frau Dr Flury-Lemberg's 80th birthday

10th February 2010

Abegg-Stiftung, 2009. 'Fünf Jahrzente Textilkonservierung - Erinnerungen an die Anfänge. Mechthild Flury-Lemberg im Gespräch mit Ulrich Schiessl.' Mit einem fotomechanischen Nachdruck von Rolf Lemberg, "Die Textilabteilung der Abegg-Stiftung Bern", 1970. Riggisbeg: Abegg-Stiftung, 79pp

This book has been published to mark Frau Dr. Mechthild Flury-Lemberg's 80th birthday (last year: 21 Feb 2009) and to acknowledge her huge contribution to textile conservation and the education of textile conservators from all over the world.

TCC Student Receives Doctorate

4th January 2010

Dr Christina Margariti, another successful TCC PhD student, was awarded her doctorate at the University of Southampton's winter graduation ceremony just before Christmas in December 2009.  Christina had previously graduated from the MA Textile Conservation and the TCC and returned for PhD study whilst also working for the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. 

Update and Happy New Year

24th December 2009

 Happy New Year from all the former staff of the TCC and from the Trustees of the TCC Foundation.

Discussions about a future for some of the TCC's work have been continuing: a great deal of activity has taken place during November and December.  We had hoped to be able to make an announcement about this before Christmas, but the timing of various meetings means that we will not be in a position to do so until mid January.

Fabulous Fibres exhibition featuring objects conserved by TCC students

24th December 2009

Fabulous Fibres – an ethnobotanical exhibition at Haslemere Museum

1 December 2009 - 9 January 2010

Discussions continue whilst achievements are celebrated

29th September 2009

The TCC Foundation continues to have discussions with several organisations about the possibility of some aspects of the TCC's work being revived elsewhere after the Centre is closed by the University of Southampton on 31st October 2009.

TCC Students Graduate 2009

23rd July 2009

The penultimate cohort of TCC students graduated on 23rd July. The ceremony was presided over by the University of Southampton's Vice-Chancellor Professor Bill Wakeham and was held at the Turner Sims Concert Hall on the University's main, Highfield, campus. After the ceremony the TCC staff then held a celebratory reception for the students and their guests.