Albion Conservation Consultancy



17th century English tapestry fragment Queen Mother's sitting room- Glamis castle- After reversal17th century English tapestry fragment Queen Mother's sitting room- Glamis castle- Before reversal

Preventive Conservation looks to strategies and solutions that prevent damage and delay the deterioration of collections and room interiors. Identifying, controlling or eliminating the underlying causes and agents of decay greatly enhances the longevity of artworks and artefacts.

In the first instance, a collection survey will identify problems, recommend actions, equipment and, where appropriate, professional help. The survey may be as initially detailed as requested, but will include enough information to be used subsequently as a working document. Goals will be set in consultation with the client, to be met in a prioritised order.

Textile Conservation Example of an unique solution to the display of this tapestry fragment, after research and ethical deliberations. Loyalty to the spirit of the interior of the Queen Mother's sitting-room was of great importance in the decision-making process.The treatment is, of course, reversable.
17th century English tapestry fragment, Queen Mother's Sitting Room- Glamis Castle- Click here for more information

    Services Include:
  • Collection Surveys
  • Collection Storage
  • Condition Reports
  • Conservation Plans
  • Development of funding plans for HLF and other funding
  • Disaster plans
  • Display Cases
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Environmental Control
  • Estimates
  • Exhibition Design
  • Housekeeping Plans
  • Pest Monitoring
  • Reports in support of Funding Applications
  • Textile Conservation
  • Textile Cleaning
  • Staff training
  • Supervision of collection moves


    • Presentations and Staff Training include:
    Irreplaceable Treasures: Planning and Management for the Safety of Collections and Interiors Before, During and After Events  | Planning for Safe Filming in Historic Houses  | Textile Wrapping and Storage Workshop

    Condition reports and databases provide a detailed record of changes to the collection. Best practice for establishing a safe environment in which to display collections begins with monitoring and interpretation of data. Subsequently the conservators will then maintain the environment within set limits indicated by the nature of the collection. The conditions that cause moulds to grow, and support the activity of destructive insects must be dealt with, as there is little point in returning a conserved object to the same conditions that damaged it in the first place. We will advise on environmental questions as well as plans for the safe display of furniture, artworks and artefacts in a manner which retains the history, character and unique identity of each collection. We are committed to supporting this policy through using subtle and minimal conservation to stabilise objects and delay deterioration. The installation of microclimate-controlled cases and the designing of collection displays within them, are part of our integrated approach to collections care.

    The conservators at Albion Conservation Consultancy provide staff training for many conservation issues. Our services include visiting the properties in order to collect data, and carry out conservation tasks. We are able to bring in other expert advisers as required by individual situation. Current international research on preventive conservation informs our work and methods. The list noted here forms only part of our portfolio of services. As our core speciality, we have an international reputation for tapestry conservation.

    Please contact us to discuss your requirements,
    P. Hughes and M MacDonald, Conservators,
    Albion Conservation Consultancy.
    Email: phughes@albionconservation.com
    mfmacdonald@albionconservation.com
    Phone UK: 0131 447 4543 / 07984477998 USA: 707 632 6841