Coated Fabrics Collection Care Symposium

The first day of the symposium will focus on the results of the Glossy Surfaces Project, research done by the partners in the project, TPU case studies from other museums and a panel discussion. During the morning of the second day there will presentations about other plastic materials one can encounter in textiles but also the viewpoint of designers and the industry on these materials. In the afternoon there will be workshops that can be chosen by interest of the participant, a few weeks after registration a mail will follow to make your choice.

During the morning of the second day there will be presentations about other plastic materials one can encounter in textiles but also the point of view. A few weeks after registration a mail will follow to choose your preferred workshop.

Polyurethanes are present in significant cultural artifacts in many museums such as fashion, design and contemporary art collections, so their conservation cannot be ignored. This symposium thus presents new ways to prolong the lifespan of this cultural heritage and touches upon the difficulties in collecting, conserving and presenting these items.

The symposium focuses on thermoplastic polyurethane coatings in fashion and textile collections, however, presentations on the (preventive) conservation of other coatings on textile substrates or polyurethanes/plastics in other forms or shapes - such as elastomers or foams - are also included. These materials are not only found in textile or fashion collections, but also in modern and contemporary art or design collections.