Sir, The public must be able to continue to enjoy heritage collections, so it is indeed vital to maintain expertise in preserving textiles and other materials. However, the Textile Conservation Centre (letter, June 22) has not proved financially sustainable and a case for state intervention to help to save it has not been proved.

In practical terms, the nation needs a wide range of resources for conserving and preserving collections of all kinds. The Government already makes a substantial investment in care of collections, with studios in many national and regional museums, the British Library, the National Archives and in public record offices. These are complemented by similar resources elsewhere, including in charities (for example, the National Trust) and in commercial practices.

But planning has not been prioritised strategically. A historic overemphasis on qualifications at tertiary level has led to a shortage of conservation skills; apprenticeships are rare. Coupled with pressures on costs, these and other factors have led to a steadily ageing workforce, which puts long-term capacity at risk and could ultimately jeopardise vulnerable collections.

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) helps in a modest way by sponsoring apprenticeships and foundation degrees, and university research and teaching have an important place in a mixed economy, but individual business models face stiff competition and have to make their own way and be resilient.

The Institute of Conservation (Icon) has a key role in advocacy and in brokering solutions. We welcome the appointment of a new chief executive, Jessica Wanamaker, and MLA will support Icon and other bodies in developing strategies for a more secure future for the preservation of heritage collections.

Roy Clare

Chief Executive, Museums, Libraries and Archives Council

Explore Letters

• Feedback