Introduction to Textile Conservation (Level 2)
This course will provide essential skills needed for all collections-care specialists to handle, assess, maintain, and safely house historic clothing and textiles.
Beginning with the basic chemical building blocks of textile fibers, students will learn how fabrics’ microscopic characteristics impact the preservation, treatment, and interpretation of textile objects. Environmental and practical considerations for the care and display of textiles will be presented along with case studies in successful and problematic conservation solutions.
Working with study collection pieces from Logan Museum of Anthropology, students will learn hands-on skills such as condition reporting, surface cleaning, custom storage mounts, packing, and photography. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop and a downloadable camera/phone. Sewing skills are not required.
Course Dates
Course Fee
Early Registration
Instructor
About the Instructor
Beth McLaughlin is Senior Textile Conservator the Midwest Art Conservation Center in Minneapolis, MN and has been with the MACC since 2005. She was a conservator in private practice and prior Chief Textile Conservator at Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina. She has significant training and experience in the conservation of historic and contemporary textiles and the preservation, care and re-housing of three-dimensional objects. Ms. McLaughlin received a Masters of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts summa cum laude from Ohio University. Ms. McLaughlin is a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation, Textile Specialty Group, and a member of the Textile Society of America, Maya Society of Minnesota, and a variety of textile arts guilds.
