Conservation of Textile and Associated Materials

The National Army Museum (NAM) wishes to appoint a conservation company or individual conservator (‘the conservator’) to conserve 57 pieces of uniform, headdress and flags in preparation for their display in the museum in Autumn 2016.

Expressions of interest in this work are requested from suitably qualified and experienced contractors by 21 August 2015. It is beneficial, though not essential, for the conservator to hold accredited status (PACR - Professional Accreditation of Conservator-Restorers).

To inform this tender process, the objects have had initial condition assessments and treatment recommendations. These reports give a picture of the extent of the treatment required. Tenders may be made based on based on these assessments, their recommendations and the associated photographs of the objects themselves (to be included with the tender document). Alternatively or in addition to this information the objects may be viewed in-situ at the NAM store in Stevenage, Herefordshire by prior appointment.

Summary of condition assessments:

➢ The NAM uses four categories to classify the condition of an object: good, fair, poor and acute. Of the 57 objects described here; 1 was classed as being in good condition, 23 were thought to be in fair condition, 23 were deemed to be in poor condition and 10 in acute condition.

➢ The extent of treatment thought to be required is measured by three criteria: Low, moderate and extensive. Of the 57 objects Described here; 11 were thought to require a low level of treatment, 31 a moderate level and 15 an extensive level.

➢ The total time required to conserve the group of 57 objects was estimated to be between 690-830 hours depending on varying treatment options.

The conservator will be responsible for:

1.) The conservation of the objects (following discussion and approval of all treatments by the NAM).

2.) Full documentation - written report and photographs - relating to the treatment of each object (sent to the NAM on completion of the project).

3.) Packing for transport back to the store using materials provided by the NAM.

Due to space limitations at the NAM store it is anticipated that the objects will be conserved off-site at the appointed conservators studio.