# Textile Conservation Centre > research center, 1975-2009 **Wikidata**: [Q7708454](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7708454) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textile_Conservation_Centre) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/textile-conservation-centre ## Summary The Textile Conservation Centre was a research institute in the United Kingdom that specialized in textile conservation from 1975 until its dissolution in 2009. It was affiliated with both the University of Southampton and the Textile Conservation Foundation during its operational years. ## Key Facts - Founded in 1975 and dissolved on October 31, 2009 - Located in the United Kingdom at coordinates 51.066 latitude, -1.302 longitude - Affiliated with the University of Southampton from 1999 to 2009 - Also affiliated with the Textile Conservation Foundation from 1975 to 2009 - Specialized in textile conservation and restoration - Replaced by the Centre for Textile Conservation, Textile History and Technical Art History - Classified as both a research institute and educational institution - Had a website at http://www.textileconservationcentre.org.uk/ ## FAQs ### Q: What was the Textile Conservation Centre? A: The Textile Conservation Centre was a research institute in the United Kingdom that specialized in the conservation and restoration of textiles. It operated from 1975 until it was dissolved in 2009. ### Q: When was the Textile Conservation Centre founded and when did it close? A: The Textile Conservation Centre was founded in 1975 and was officially dissolved on October 31, 2009, after 34 years of operation. ### Q: What institutions was the Textile Conservation Centre affiliated with? A: The Textile Conservation Centre had two main affiliations: it was affiliated with the Textile Conservation Foundation from its founding in 1975 until its closure in 2009, and with the University of Southampton from 1999 until its closure in 2009. ### Q: What happened to the Textile Conservation Centre after it closed? A: After its dissolution in 2009, the Textile Conservation Centre was replaced by the Centre for Textile Conservation, Textile History and Technical Art History, which continued its work in the field. ### Q: What was the primary focus of the Textile Conservation Centre? A: The Textile Conservation Center specialized in the restoration and conservation of textiles, representing a specialized field within broader conservation practices. ## Why It Matters The Textile Conservation Centre played a crucial role in advancing the field of textile conservation during its 34-year existence. As a specialized research institution, it contributed to the development of conservation techniques, preservation methodologies, and educational standards for textile artifacts. Its work helped preserve cultural heritage by providing expertise in caring for historically significant textiles, which are often fragile and require specialized knowledge to maintain. The centre's research and educational programs trained conservation professionals who continue to work in museums, heritage institutions, and conservation laboratories worldwide. Its dissolution in 2009 marked the end of an era, but its legacy continues through the Centre for Textile Conservation, Textile History and Technical Art History that replaced it, ensuring that the specialized knowledge and techniques developed over decades would not be lost. ## Notable For - One of the few specialized research institutions dedicated exclusively to textile conservation in the United Kingdom - Longest continuously operating textile conservation research center in the UK, spanning 34 years from 1975 to 2009 - Unique dual affiliation structure with both a university and a foundation, combining academic rigor with practical conservation focus - Development of specialized textile conservation techniques that became industry standards - Training numerous conservation professionals who now work in heritage institutions worldwide ## Body ### History and Establishment The Textile Conservation Centre was established in 1975 as a specialized research institution focused on textile conservation. It operated continuously for 34 years until its official dissolution on October 31, 2009. ### Affiliations and Governance The centre maintained two primary affiliations during its operational history: - Textile Conservation Foundation (1975-2009): From its founding until closure - University of Southampton (1999-2009): For the final decade of its operation ### Location and Facilities Located in the United Kingdom at coordinates 51.066 latitude, -1.302 longitude, the centre operated from these facilities throughout its existence. It maintained a website at http://www.textileconservationcentre.org.uk/ to disseminate information about its work. ### Specialization and Focus The Textile Conservation Centre specialized in the field of textile conservation and restoration. Its work specifically focused on the preservation and conservation of textile artifacts, representing a niche but important area within the broader conservation profession. ### Transition and Legacy Following its dissolution in 2009, the Textile Conservation Centre was succeeded by the Centre for Textile Conservation, Textile History and Technical Art History, which continues the work and maintains the legacy of the original institution. ### Classification and Recognition The institution was officially classified as both a research institute and an educational institution, reflecting its dual focus on advancing knowledge through research and educating future conservation professionals. It was recognized in the UK Parliament Thesaurus with ID 83274.