After working as a Studio Assistant for a private textile conservation business, Caitlin began a two-year MPhil in Textile Conservation at the University of Glasgow. A QEST 2023 Scholarship will support her final year of study, and upon completion of the course she will be well equipped to conserve a broad range of textiles including costumes, flat textiles, archaeological textiles, and tapestries.
Obtaining this qualification is essential for practicing textile conservation, as it grants authority to make treatment decisions, lead projects, and demonstrate a recognised professional understanding of working with fragile and significant objects. Caitlin is especially interested in understanding the ethics of conservation, particularly when handling textiles from different cultural backgrounds. Within the next ten years, she aims to work towards accreditation in her field, contribute research and experience through written papers and journal articles, and actively engage with the conservation community to benefit the overall development of the field.
Images copyright of University of Glasgow, courtesy of Paisley Museum and Sean Kelly, and Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura.
