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Highlights in this issue

A saint unveiled

Marie-Therese Weech, Sculpture Student on the RCA/V&A Conservation Course

In 1857 the V&A acquired part of a wall mosaic believed to be dated around the 8-9th century, until recent research revealed an intriguing deception.

17th Century Chinese canopied bed

John Bornhoft, Senior Conservator, Furniture Section, Conservation Department

On arrival in the Museum the bed was in pieces. Careful examination revealed that it was in a fragile and unstable state due to woodworm damage, shrinkage and broken joints.

Recording the changes: V&A conservation departmental archive

Dorothy Rogers, Departmental Secretary, Conservation Department

The Conservation Department has come a long way since 1960 when Norman Brommelle transformed a disparate group of craftsman, cum restorers, cum technicians into the Museum's first official conservation department.

Treatment of an early 18th Century Indian chintz qanat

Nicola Gentle, Senior Conservator, Textiles Section, Conservation Department

The recent conservation of an early 18th century chintz Qanat for the Nehru Gallery of Indian Art afforded an opportunity to clarify thinking about the use of adhesive techniques.