Visual Story: Textile conservation.

This month Hal observes a dedicated team of women working at the National Trust Conservation Studio, near Blickling Hall, Norfolk.

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 In a converted barn, not far from Blickling Hall, is the National Trust Textile Conservation Studio. Here a very calm and patient team of women painstakingly and laboriously clean, mend and preserve incredibly intricate and often ancient wall-hangings, furniture coverings and garments from the National Trust’s collection.

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– the large, well lit room was pretty hushed, save for the sound of thread being pulled though fabric


While I was there the large, well lit room was pretty hushed, save for the sound of thread being pulled though fabric or the occasional murmur of conversation or laughter between the conservators, as they worked inch by inch over enormous, delicate, 16th century tapestries and embroidery.

You can see more work from Hal Shinnie here and here.

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