A close encounter

Earlier this week I was fortunate to be invited by the Society's Hon Curator Costume, Jo Pearson, to join a group of embroiderers who had an appointment to view the collection under Jo's expert guidance. The visitors (and I) received a welcome bonus in the form of an encounter with conservator Patricia Moncrief who arrived bearing a large storage box containing a newly conserved garment.


Patricia, on the left, unpacked the garment to give Jo Pearson, second from the right, a report on the work she'd done to conserve this important historical garment. Part of the Lovegrove Collection donated to the Society in the 1030's, the dress was worn by Elinor Eliot at her wedding to Dr Lovegrove circa 1869.


Patricia explains the process of making a 'soft sculpture' padded shape to support the garment.


A detail of the garment's sleeve


The neckline of the bodice resting on its soft sculpture padding


Returning the garment to its storage box.