Conservation of MoDA’s Collections

Photo of hands holding tweezers doing conservation work

MoDA’s collections mostly consist of paper and textile items that were used in working design studios, manufacturers’ showrooms, and homes, before they were donated to us to preserve as historic artefacts.

Very few of the objects in MoDA’s collections came to us in pristine condition.  Most already showed signs of wear and tear such as fading or discolouration before they came into the museum.

Over the years, we have carried out conservation projects on specific parts of the collection.  These are intended to make particular objects easily and safely accessible for research and inspiration. We frequently collaborate with specialist conservation practitioners, conservation students or recently qualified conservators.

Making objects easier to handle has often been the beginning of larger projects and further research and teaching.