Research Project: An Investigation into the Mounting Potential of the Thermo-set Nylon Yarn, Grilon

During my first year of study (with Historic Royal Palaces), I was given a good grounding in preventive conservation in addition to an opportunity to experience remedial textile conservation. An understanding of these has fed directly into my specialist area of costume mounting, developed during my second year, which was with the V&A. Here I was actively encouraged to be creative in my approach to mounting and storing costume.

It has been a privilege to work with a broad range of objects across both institutions, from a Russian cosmonaut suit to mattresses from Queen Anne’s state bed, and also to have mounted garments for the V&A’s temporary exhibitions The Golden Age of Couture and Art Deco.

My research project has allowed me to investigate the thermo-set Nylon yarn Grilon, as a potential material for mounting costume. The project also encompassed other issues in the production of bespoke support mounts. This included digitally gathering accurate shape and measurement data from garments to be used in the production of toiles and replicas as well as mounts themselves.

Having completed this MA I hope to be in a position to continue developing methods and materials used for the sensitive display of museum costume, as an essential element for their conservation and preservation.

Specialism: Conservation and Mounting of Costume, in Collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces and the Victoria and Albert Museum.