Jennifer oversees the smooth running of the studio, with a keen focus on the practical side of the business. Her pragmatic approach and ability to nurture talent within the team enables us to develop as a studio, furthering research and techniques in the industry.
We have strong ethics and aim to operate as sustainably as possible, while providing the utmost care for any given object.
Our skill set covers taxidermy, leather, and synthetic materials, along with carpets, upholstery and all textile-based objects. Recent projects include the conservation of: -
- The historic interiors of an important 17th Century manor
- A collection of haute owned by a significant collector
- The installation of the Louise Bourgeois at the Hayward Gallery
- Mounting textiles and costumes for framing workshops
- Conserving and mounting textile for the William Morris Gallery
We get just as much reward from the small personal objects as we do working on large scale projects of national importance.
Textile documentation, condition surveys and storage
We can provide services to help care for a collection as a whole or document the condition of a single item for insurance or to identify the conservation needed.
From this, we can provide storage solutions or advice on display parameters to enhance the long-term preservation of your items.Conservation cleaning
Soiling and stains can not only be visually disfiguration but can be a major cause of degradation of an object. After examining an object, we can carry out specialist cleaning, such as removing soiling from a delicate surface, localised stain removal, and immersion cleaning to remove ingrained dirt.
Repair and support of damage
There are many methods we can use to support damage to a textile, and we are always up for a challenge! We can adapt methods depending on the visual results you are aiming for, sometimes an invisible conservation stitching onto a colour matched fabric mimicking the weave is the best way but other times it may be important to support the loss in a way that the historical evidence of it is retained, and in this case, we can be sympathetic to this need.
Mounting and display
We mount flat textiles for framing, provide hanging solutions for large scale tapestries, and create forms for costume exhibitions. We ensure safety measures are implemented to preserve the object for the future, while meeting your display requirements.
19th Century Chair Before and After Treatment
Jubilee Cope (Front) – St Paul’s Cathedral
Jubilee Cope (Back) – St Paul’s Cathedral
Flowerpot printed cotton – William Morris
Carlo Bugatti Chair Before and After Treatment
Biography
Jennifer Jenkins ACR
Jennifer has worked in textile conservation for over ten years. Graduating with a BA in Textile Design from Leeds University, she went on to gain an MPhil in Textile Conservation at Glasgow University.
Since qualifying, she has worked for several private practice studios throughout the UK, developing a strong understanding of carpet conservation, while solidifying her knowledge of textile history and gaining a particular interest in complex and unique weaves.
Client Testimonials
I have worked with Jenny for over 3 years, most notably in my role as a Conservation Project Manager for a Stately Home.
Jenny worked on site and in the studio on a collection of moth damaged textiles, carpets and furnishings.
Condition assessments and treatment proposals were put together for the large collection along with a priority and schedule for treatment.
Throughout this process, Jenny’s hand skills were meticulous as was her attention to detail when recording the project. Jenny kept in regular communication about the progress of the work and all was completed on time and within budget.
Jenny is an excellent conservator and was a very safe pair of hands to help with this important Collection.
Sarah Giles
Sarah Giles Conservation
The Union Jack Club is deeply grateful to Mrs Jennifer Jenkins for her work in restoring, and remounting, a delicate second world war fabric that had needed significant expertise to bring it to the level of remediation necessary for long term display. We respect, and have truly appreciated, the very high skill levels in the conservation of fragile fabrics, that enabled Mrs Jenkins to undertake this sensitive task and to achieve such excellent results.
Hugh Player
CEO Hugh Player Union Jack Club
Jenny's advice on conservation was both excellent and clear regarding the conservation requirements, storage, and display of four painted silk banners owned by The Worshipful Company of Glovers of London. Jenny's thoughtful conservation advice was considerate of the environmental conditions and space limitations for storage and display, showcasing her knowledge and expertise. Jenny carried out a meticulous cleaning and repair treatment to one banner, and we were delighted with the results. Her work has significantly improved the appearance and preservation of the banner and her help with displaying it was invaluable. We highly recommend Jenny.
Yvette Fletcher
Yvette Fletcher, Archives Committee, Worshipful Company of Glovers