In it for the Long Haul: Collaboration and Adaptation in Conserving a Set of Sixteenth-century Tapestries over 25 Years

The conservation treatment challenges of a monumental set of sixteenth-century tapestries from Hardwick Hall, a property belonging to the National Trust (NT), UK are discussed. Estimated to take 10 years, over 20 years later the conservation of the final tapestry began in 2021. Due to their scale, with the set of 13 tapestries covering 430m2, the work was planned to be carried out both by the NT Textile Conservation Studio and Danielle Bosworth Textile Conservation, an independent studio. To enable a consistent approach, a methodology was established in 1997. As challenges arose, it was vital the two studios worked collaboratively to adapt the methodology to achieve the best possible outcomes. One of the more significant collaborations was with De Wit in Belgium, who wet cleaned this set of extremely dirty and fragile tapestries. The three largest tapestries posed new challenges but new techniques and methodologies were developed to solve them. Ultimately, good leadership and management have been essential to ensure continuity of treatment in conserving these extraordinary tapestries and to manage change while delivering a consistent outcome. The investment in their conservation treatment will extend their lives by 100 years, allowing future generations to appreciate the craftsmanship and stories contained in this remarkable set.