Over the past thirty years or so upholstery conservation has developed into a specialist discipline. During this time there have been changes in approaches to documentation and investigation of extant materials and to the treatment of surviving original materials. Changes in treatment approaches have also extended to the restoration of an upholstered appearance to bare frames for museum displays.

Through a series of case studies the lecture will aim to cover the following areas:

• The history and development of upholstery conservation
• Establishing the role of the object and how this may influence treatment options
• Identifying objects needs and approaches to treatment
• Collaboration of textile, furniture and upholstery specialists

There will be an opportunity to look at examples of conservation materials used in the case studies presented. There will also be time for informal discussion of issues covered.