ABSTRACT
Textile conservation is continually developing, technically, ethically and also professionally. Conservators’ professional responsibilities and ethical framework have evolved with many key developments relating to how we communicate within our profession, within the cultural heritage field, with stakeholders and outwardly to the wider public. The international textile community has expanded with a multiplicity of opportunities for communication, support and professional networking. The case study by Cook illustrates the use of social media to foster a community of practice. Thompson’s case study describes collaboration between conservator and curator, while the case study by Britton and Hanson details a successful collaboration between conservators at two institutions. Many conservators work to communicate conservation and build relationships with the wider public. A case study by Jordan, Takami and Orfeur describes how public engagement is a key part of the conservator’s work, while Scaturro explains the influence that conservators can have when they take the lead in producing exhibitions, as curators.
