Save the Textile Conservation Centre

From the Guardian Unlimited Arts by Maev Kennedy

Threat of closure hangs over a world famous centre for historic textiles, where recent projects included conserving the topsail of Nelson’s HMS Victory, a unique set of Victorian painted canvas stage scenery - and Freddie Mercury’s imitation leather trousers.

News that Southampton University has decided to close the Textile Conservation Centre has been greeted with incredulity and rage by museum professionals and conservation experts, in Britain and overseas. The only comparable centre in Europe is in Switzerland.

I am not exaggerating when I say there is shock and anger around the world,” Alastair McCapra, chief executive of the Institute of Conservation, said. “We have had dumbfounded disbelief from colleagues in Europe and beyond.” Sandra Smith, head of conservation at the V&A museum, described the news as “shocking”.

“The loss of the Textile Conservation Centre will have a catastrophic impact on the ability of museums and other heritage institutions to care for their collections in the future.” Georgina Nayler, director of the Pilgrim Trust, a charity which has often given grants for textiles, said: “It is appalling, and means the loss of not only a great centre of excellence but also a key training institution in the conservation field. How we are going to train the textile conservators of the future, heaven alone knows.”

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