Wendy Toulson ACR

12 May 2025

I have over 30 years' experience of textile conservation. Services I provide include consultative visits, estimates, full written and photographic documentation. I treat all types of textiles, whether full cleaning and conservation are required or simply advice on mounting, storage and display. A particular speciality is the treatment of ecclesiastical vestments and furnishings. I also provide collections surveys, condition reports and advice on funding of projects.

My clients include museums, heritage organizations, private owners and churches.

Publications include: The Ornaments: The Textiles, in Hereford Cathedral - a history, ed. G.E. Aylmer, J.E. Tiller, London, 2000; The care and repair of the St Mary's Hall tapestry, in The St Mary's Hall Coventry tapestry: weaving the threads together, ed. Mark S. Webb, Shaun Tyas London, 2024.

Training

October 1981 - July 1984
BA (Hons) Modern History, University of Oxford

September 1985 - June 1988
Postgraduate diploma in Textile Conservation, Textile Conservation Centre, Hampton Court Palace (Courtauld Institute, University of London)

July 1988 - June 1989
J. Paul Getty Intern, Textile Conservation Centre, Hampton Court Palace

September 2017 - June 2019
BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science (Forensic Science) Double Grade Distinction * Distinction Lady Hawkins' High School, Kington, Herefordshire

Work History

July 1989 - July 1990
Textile conservator, General Textiles Department, Textile Conservation Centre, Hampton Court Palace

August 1991 - June 1992
Part-time tutor, Textile Conservation Centre, Hampton Court Palace

August 1990 -
Independent textile conservator, Herefordshire

International Rugby cap awarded to Mark Jones in 1987 playing for Wales against Scotland

A dark red velvet Wales rugby cap with Prince of Wales feathers in gold and silver purl. Trimmed with silver braid, it had a brittle pasteboard peak, split velvet, and detached braid. The peak was dismantled, the pasteboard replaced with acid-free board, and damaged velvet supported with dyed cotton sateen and nylon net. The cap was reassembled, with braid re-sewn and fabrics secured. The original pasteboard was returned with the cap for display.

Cope from Church of St James the Great, Cranham

The Church of St. James the Great, Cranham, dates from the 12th century. It was restored in large part in the 1890s and it is from this era that many of its vestments appear to date. One of the most striking vestments is a cream-coloured cope, which incorporates elements from two copes: the hood and the orphrey, while they blend well together when viewed from a distance, show marked differences in thickness of threads, colour palette and style of underdrawing.

Napoleonic era rag doll

A soldier rag doll, found behind a cupboard in the old vicarage, Claverly, Shropshire. The doll wears the uniform of a British soldier from the era of the Peninsula Wars, 1807-1814. It was donated to Shropshire Museums Service by Claverly Memories Local History Society with a view to its being conserved, and displayed in Shrewsbury Museum.

1870s Child’s dress from Swansea Museum

A child’s dress from the 1870s, part of the costume collection of Swansea Museum, was needed for display in the Museum’s galleries. An attractive item, the dress was largely in sound condition apart from damage to its lace trim. A fine gauge net backing was used to support the fragmentary lace so that the garment could be safely displayed and enjoyed.

Embroidered covers from a Georgian sofa

An 18th-century George III mahogany sofa with gros and petit point embroidery. The polychrome wool and silk had faded, with reworked areas and weakened linen canvas, causing splits and unraveling. The covers were removed, surface cleaned, lined with new linen, and stabilized with support stitching. Holes were patched with dyed linen canvas and tent stitch. The conserved covers were reattached. The sofa is now sturdier but requires careful display and controlled conditions.

Client testimonials

I came to you in total uncertainty that my most prized possession - my Welsh rugby cap - could be restored to its former glory. I trusted you and your skills, and was elated with the result. My Welsh rugby cap has been returned to its former glory.. thank you Wendy.

Mark Jones
Former Wales international rugby player

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