Rebecca Bissonnet ACR
Projects
About Me
I am an experienced accredited textile conservator, creative, inventive and a keen embroiderer with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Working in the past for Historic Royal Palace I have proven leadership skills demonstrated by the management of conservation projects and experienced at planning, costing and taking projects through to completion. I have had the opportunity to work both in the UK and internationally for a variety of heritage organisations such as: The British Museum, The Royal Collection, The new museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar and for private clients on a variety of objects from: tapestries, state beds, throne canopies, furnishings, to baby shoes, samplers, embroideries, costume and Bagpuss.
I now work independently and can offer a full range of textile conservation services from collection surveys, textile condition checks, preventive and interventive treatments. I have a small studio which I can work from or alternatively, I can work on site or in inhouse. I have a great passion for a variety of textiles and enjoy thinking of creative and practical solutions to conservation problems. Working with clients to achieve the best results. I also enjoy talking about conservation and educating students on the possibilities within the heritage sector.
Please do get in touch with any queries you may have.
Training
Southampton University. MA Textile Conservation. Two year programme on the practical and theory of textile conservation.
Three year apprenticeship in hand embroidery at the Royal School of Needlework. Diploma. Distinction
Work History
Textile treatment supervisor. Historic Royal Palaces. Lead a team of conservator in the care of the Throne Canopies, State Beds and associated furniture at Hampton Court Palace with previous experience of leading the tapestry team. Day-to-day I manage the conservators and advise on approaches to treatments. I was responsible for supervising the quality control of work, and working on the objects including the conservation of Queen Caroline’s State bed and the Queen Anne Throne Canopy.
Senior textile conservator. Historic Royal Palaces. Worked on a short term contract as senior textile conservator. Project managing the de-installation, wet cleaning, conservation, filming and re-installation of a Mortlake tapestry.
Freelance textile conservator. Working on a freelance basis for a variety of clients including The Royal Collection and privately run workshops. Objects worked on include: The Coronation robes; Grayson Perry Tapestries; Hidden treasure objects for the Fitzwilliam, Cambridge, and a ceremonial banner for the Worshipful Company of Innholders, London.
Textile conservator. The British Museum. Worked as part of the Organic Research and Science department. Objects worked on include pieces for display and storage such as: Coptic textiles; Padded armour: African fibre vegetable mat.
Textile conservator and embroiderer. Worked on a variety of interesting and diverse textiles for private clients and museums including work for: The V&A; Museum of London; Longleat House; Hardwick Hall and the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress. December 2007 - April 2008 Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar. January 2007 - December 2007 Royal School of Needlework. March 2005 - December 2006 Textile Conservation Consultancy. September 2004 - March 2005 NM Liverpool
