Conference Announcement

Scientific Analysis of Ancient and Historic Textiles: Informing
Preservation, Display and Interpretation
AHRB Research Centre for Textile Conservation and Textile Studies
First Annual Conference, 13-15 July 2004
Textile Conservation Centre, Winchester Campus, University of Southampton, UK

Extant historic textiles represent an important part of material culture;
they provide rich evidence of social history, international trade,
agricultural development, artistic trends and technological progress.
Analytical science can play a major role in ensuring the appropriate
interpretation, essential preservation and continued enjoyment of such
cultural heritage.

The overarching theme of this international conference is the
characterisation of ancient and historic textile materials for informed
conservation and display, and enhanced understanding. Contributions should
engage an audience of archaeologists, archaeological scientists,
conservators, conservation scientists, custodians and curators, and will
span the following topics, with an emphasis on natural fibre-based
textiles: identification of textile materials, assessment of textile
deterioration, characterisation of fibre behaviour, diagnostic virtual
libraries, non-destructive monitoring of ageing, evaluating risks of
conservation and display, setting limits through accelerated ageing, and
archaeological textiles. Papers will encompass instrumental analytical
methodology and its application to heritage preservation.

There will be a call for papers shortly. To register interest please email
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Dr Paul Wyeth

Textile Conservation Centre
University of Southampton Winchester Campus
Winchester  SO23 8DL
U.K.

Tel:     +44 (0)2380 597122
Fax:     +44 (0)2380 597101