Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
Summer Course: Introduction to Textile Conservation
Monday June 14th - Friday June 25th
The class covers the following topics:
*Analyzing textiles or garments
in preparation for making treatment decisions
*Wetcleaning,
*Repair and stabilization,
*Storage,
*Exhibition.
The class meets from 9:00 to 4:30, although the labs are
open earlier and later than those hours. The
time is divided between lecture/discussion and actual treatment of objects.
Depending on the preferences of individual students, this treatment can
be repair/stabilization or wetcleaning or both.
The course earns 3 credits. Grading is based on work done in class.
Students in the class are typically a mix of those with experience in museums and historic societies, collectors, and students in degree programs. This mix works well and allows participants to share experiences, philosophies, and analytical skills.
Out-of-town students who choose to stay on campus are housed together, and share the experience of adjusting to dorm life. They also can share information beyond the immediate experiences in class and lab. Usually the class will enjoy one or more restaurant outings together, and often a Saturday or Sunday trip to an area museum is organized. A visit to an area museum and textile conservation lab is included during the second week, to evaluate real-life storage and exhibition practices after covering these areas in class. The particular venue is selected depending on the experience and choice of the students in the class.
The cost of the June 2004 class is $695. Non-URI students must pay an additional $25 fee. You can register online; go to the URI home page (www.uri.edu) and logo at the bottom of the list on the left cycles through several options including "summer". Clicking on that will lead you through the registration process: the Class #. for registering online is 1541. Housing on campus is very inexpensive. Class members will be staying in the Diversity House, and housing registration forms are at www.housing.uri.edu/summerhsg.pdf.