Studentship at University of Southampton

PhD studentship in Conservation Science: Preventive
conservation of historic silks

Applications are invited for a joint PhD studentship with the
Textile Conservation Centre, University of Southampton, and English
Heritage, to begin in October 2006. The collaborative studentship is
funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council; funding
conditions restrict the full award to resident UK nationals.

A recent English Heritage survey has confirmed that historic silks
on open display in its collections are at particular risk. Subject
to the rigours of the environment silk banners, curtains, costume
and tapestries begin to show disfiguring surface abrasion and
eventually splits and tears. The aim of the project is to devise a
conservation policy commensurate with long-term access and based
upon non-destructive condition assessment and the evaluation of
critical environmental risks.

Analytical work will be carried out at the internationally renowned
Textile Conservation Centre, Winchester, under the supervision of Dr
Paul Wyeth. There will also be significant periods, directed by
David Thickett, spent at English Heritage properties, for example,
surveying collections and collecting environmental data. The project
will provide ideal training for a prospective heritage professional
with conservation science specialisation.

Applicants should have a good first degree and a masters degree,
obtained by formal postgraduate study in analytical or conservation
science, or conservation. For further information or to apply please
contact Dr Paul Wyeth <pw [at] soton__ac__uk>. Candidates should send their
CV with the names of two referees, together with a short personal
statement outlining their enthusiasm for cultural heritage and their
career goals, by 25 May, 2006.

Dr Paul Wyeth
Textile Conservation Centre
Winchester School of Art
University of Southampton Winchester Campus
Winchester  SO23 8DL
U.K.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 19:49
                  Distributed: Saturday, April 8, 2006
                       Message Id: cdl-19-49-018
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