SEMINAR SERIES | Paper and Textiles Conservation (Session 2)

This is the second session of our four-part Conservation Essentials Seminar Series that aims to explore conservation principles and preventative care strategies across diverse collection types, from heritage items to contemporary materials. The series combines foundational knowledge with material-specific techniques, equipping you with practical approaches to preservation challenges.

Whether you manage a small community collection or work within a larger institution, these seminars will strengthen your capacity to preserve cultural heritage for future generations. Attend individual sessions based on your collection profile, or complete the full series to build comprehensive conservation knowledge across material types.

ABOUT THE SESSION

Join Sherryn Vardy, Conservator, Gippsland Heritage Conservation and Larry Edwards, Textiles Conservator, for a deep dive into paper and textile-based collection items. Participants will explore how these vulnerable materials deteriorate and learn strategies for handling, storage, environmental control, and display within museum, archive, and collection contexts.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand deterioration mechanisms affecting paper and textiles
• Identify common forms of damage, pests, and environmental risks
• Recognise material-specific vulnerabilities across paper and fabric objects
• Learn safe handling, storage, and display principles
• Develop basic environmental monitoring and preventive care strategies

Topics Covered

Textiles

• Fiber identification and characteristics (natural vs. synthetic)
• Light damage, fading, and photochemical degradation
• Pest identification and integrated pest management
• Humidity and temperature control for textile collections
• Storage solutions: rolling, flat storage, and hanging methods
• Handling protocols and mounting for display
• Case studies: costume, banners, and flag collections

Paper

• Paper composition, and ageing processes
• Chemical and mechanical damage
• Degradation of ink and other media
• Mould, foxing, and environmental causes
• Protective housing: folders, boxes, and encapsulation
• Handling books, maps, prints, and photographs

PLEASE NOTE: While this session is part of a four-part series, each module is designed to stand alone. Participants can choose to attend individual sessions based on their interests or opt for the full series for a comprehensive exploration. Secure your spot for the entire series now and take advantage of the series discount!

If you are making this booking on behalf of someone else, they will need to create an Eventbrite account in order to access their booking details and tickets. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the team at enquiries@amagavic.org.au or on (03) 7042 4094.

Photo: Daylesford Historical Society