Course Catalogue

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Principles and Practice: Advanced Skills builds on key conservation skills and concepts introduced in the first year, reinforcing the key concepts of cleaning and support by introducing the theory and practice of advanced textile conservation skills such as the use of adhesive supports, solvency, and other cleaning methods. The developing skill set is reinforced by the practical application of conservation treatments to historic textiles, put in context by a wider examination of textile conservation as practised in the field.

6 x 2 hr lectures,

2 x 3 hr seminar,

22 x 3 hr workshop, 

1 x 4 hr field trip, 

30 x 3 hr supervised studio time,

2 x 1h Tutorials over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus

Standard entry to Masters at College level.

None

None

Practical: Practical textile conservation (continual assessment over the course) - 30%

Portfolio: Report Portfolio (3750 words) - 30%

Written Assignment: Annotated Bibliography (1000 words) - 10%

Set Exercise: Report with VIVA (2000 words & 30mins) - 30%

This course aims to:

■ Introduce students to the practice principles and science of advanced interventive conservation treatment approaches and techniques used to preserve historic textile artefacts.

■ Enable students to apply observation skills, understanding of cultural and ethical contexts, theory of conservation techniques and advanced material science knowledge to formulate appropriate treatment strategies.

■ Provide students with the opportunity to apply in practice advanced interventive treatment skills used to preserve historic textile artefacts.

■ Engage with specialist expertise of conservation professionals to gain broader awareness of conservation in practice.

■ Develop enhanced documentation and recording skills as key skills for conservation practice.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Apply problem solving and practical skills using a range of advanced conservation techniques.

■ Critically analyse textile artefacts to devise treatment proposals appropriate to an artefact's composition, condition, and role.

■ Apply methods to record and reflect on conservation treatments as part of developing professional practice.

■ Critically evaluate literature relating to a conservation technique, material, specialist skill or treatment to engage with wider perspectives and inform decision-making.

■ Communicate complex scenarios using appropriate terminology and in a professional manner.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.