Save the Textile Conservation Centre

TCC CLOSURE
As recipients of earlier updates about the future of the Textile Conservation Centre will be aware, the University of Southampton has decided to close the TCC on 31st October 2009. The Centre’s supporting Trust, the TCC Foundation, has for some months been discussing the possibility of transferring elements of the Centre’s work to the School of Archaeology, University of Oxford. Although there were many benefits to be gained from such a move, it is now clear that a transfer will not be feasible. The pressure on creating new student places at the University of Oxford meant that a viable plan proved impossible.

The Textile Conservation Centre will therefore be closed by the University of Southampton on 31st October 2009 and its staff will be made redundant with effect from 1st November 2009.

TEXTILE CONSERVATION CENTRE FOUNDATION
The TCC Foundation will continue to make every effort to ensure that the TCC’s work, accumulated knowledge and expertise will not be completely lost as a result of the University of Southampton’s closure decision. The Foundation Trustees are meeting shortly to review options and will issue a further statement in due course.

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Peter Longman, Deputy Chairman, thanked those responsible at the TCC and the Universities of Oxford and Southampton who had worked hard to explore the possibility of transfer. Longman said ‘this closure will have serious implications for the conservation and museum sector in terms of career-entry education, CPD and research.’ These pressing issues are highlighted in Demos’ It’s a Material World report, initiated by the TCC Foundation. This report can be downloaded from Demos Report, It’s a Material World

NEXT FEW MONTHS
Until 31st October 2009 all the TCC’s activities will continue as normal: the two MA programmes (MA Textile Conservation and MA Museums & Galleries), commercial work and research by staff and PhD students.

Time will also be made to celebrate the huge achievements of the Centre since it was founded by Karen Finch OBE in 1975. To that end the TCC is organising two open days (18th & 19th June) for supporters, former clients, graduates and the Centre’s friends to see the work of the current staff and students for one final time before closure. A major reception will also be held in London for those who have funded and supported the TCC over the past 34 years.

Statement issued 21st February 2009
For further information:

For more information about the closure or about the TCC’s June Open days please contact Nell Hoare, Director of the TCC, at tccuk@soton.ac.uk

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