The TCC is an incredibly valuable program and should not be closed under any circumstances. It is a short-sighted move and can only damage the future of textile conservation.

Camille Benda, London, UK

I have worked closely with the TCC on several projects and was shocked to hear of the closure. I have found collaborating with them to be extremely useful and interesting and I will be at a loss as to where to turn in the future when other textile/book conservation projects come up.
Jane Eagan, Oxford Conservation Consortium, Oxford.

Jane Eagan , Oxford , UK

I work in both the historic textile world and the high tech world of electronic textiles. I find that the military and commercial world right now have a better appreciation of textiles and their importance than those that house our textile legacy. It has been my study of historic textiles (such as collaboration with certain members of the TCC) that have led to discoveries for my commercial clients and military clients. What the UofS administration fails to understand is the value of work in historic textiles and how it is transitioning technologies of the past to solve real problems in high-tech today. Read my chapter in "Extreme Textiles" and you will see how what is seen in textiles from the 17th century is directly applied to engineer the data systems for the warfighter of the 21st century. I regularly use conservation data to engineer high-tech fibers.

The TCC moved to the University of Southampton to ensure their long term survival. Appears to have been a bait and switch

Dr. Patricia Wilson, Arlington, Massachusetts, USA

That Southampton University should consider closing this internationally-renowned and world-leading course beggars belief. Policies which standardise and do not allow the incorporation of courses of such high impact are misguided, short sighted and unintelligent and damage the reputation of the institution concerned. Excellence should be celebrated, encouraged and championed, especially when it is world class. I wonder how many of the disciplines requiring the TCC's space have the same international standing?

Caroline Bendix, Market Harborough, UK

I was stunned by the news and am left speechless...... I guess Southampton make a short term saving but at what a long term cost. Utterly incredible.

Nicholas Burnett, Cambridge, UK

This is a disgrace. The University of Southampton needs to take a long, hard look at its policies. Once an institution is run by its accountants and proponents of the imprecise, pseudo-science of Economic Forecasting, it seems that common sense and decency fly out of the window.

Dr Sheila Fairbrass Siegler, Omaha, USA

This is a very sad development, not only for all those who have put in so much work in establishing a worldwide centre of excellence, but to the profession of conservation. The closure of the TCC repersents the triumph of accountancy over the preservation of heritage - surely a clear indicator that our society and its values are very much on the slide. Sadly, the consistent misunderstanding regarding access and the vital role of conservation has been given a serious boost in the wrong direction. Wake up before it is too late!

Jonathan Rhys-Lewis, Colchester, Essex

As a graduate of the UofS, I saw first hand the change from a respected educational establishment to a profit-driven enterprise.

Money stopped being spent on academia and resources and was diverted into shiny new buildings, unnecessary landscaping and entrance boulevards, shopping precincts, a nightclub and sports facilities. The focus was on attracting students (customers) to ensure income was generated for the University (business) - but by creating a glorified Centre Parks rather than by academic prowess.

The TCC is the latest victim of this progression and it is a lamentable loss, but the University is only responding to the position it has been forced into by government policy. The lack of funding for Universities goes far beyond tuition fees and abolition of grants. Universities can only survive if they attract enough students to shake money out of, and they do this by blinding young eyes with shiny new facilities at the expense of the TCC and all that it stands for.

Jamie Moore, Chester, UK

The closure of the TCC will not only cause an enormous loss of expertise in the UK, but also have an impact on the rest of the world. New Zealand institutions and individuals often rely on the skills, knowledge and training of TCC conservators for the preservation of textile heritage. The TCC's teaching and ground- breaking research, as well as the students they produce, are considered a bench mark for excellence in the conservation community. How can such achievement be rewarded with closure?

Catherine Smith, Dunedin, New Zealand

While working in Ireland, I had the opportunity to employ textiles conservators trained at the TCC, it has become for myself like for everybody else conserned with preservation of historic properties, a guarantee of skilled and ethical work practices, where are we going to go now?

D. Rogers, Ipswich, U.K.

I am also deeply saddened to learn about this development. The Textile Conservation Centre has trained conservators who now work around the world caring for works of great cultural significance as well as historical and personal artefacts that are important on many different levels.
The quiet work done by conservators to study, preserve and repair fragile objects is essential for their survival but often goes unnoticed . In an environment where a superb tradition of excellence simply doesn't fit with the required research and funding model, the consequences of terrible decisions such as this may well be measurable diminution of the fabric of our histories and cultures.

Nicholas Dorman, Seattle, USA/Wa

I first visited the TCC at Hampton Court in the 1970s and was incredibly impressed with the dedicated and highly skilled team. Over the years the achievements and reputation of the TCC have soared and it is vital that it's work should continue. The University of Southampton's decision to use facilities funded by the TCC Foundation for other purposes seems very unsound and it may be worth investigating whether it is legal to do so without refunding the £1.7m and interest. Most small universities would be proud to be home to a centre of international excellence and I hope some way can be found to keep the centre going.
Simon Barcham Green, past Chairman of the Institute of Paper Conservation

Simon Barcham Green, Maidstone, Kent

This decision by the University of Southampton is an act of betrayal to the Conservation Profession.

Is there not another University out there in the UK who is prepared to take on this responsibility, effectively relocating the TCC along with it's staff and resources ?

P. Croft, Lincolnshire,

A deeply disappointing decision. The University's reasoning seems not to have been made public, and the relevant minutes and other internal papers may well come under the purview of FoI legislation, should any media organization wish to investigate further.

Dr Arvind Sivaramakrishnan, Madras, India

The current predicament in which the TCC finds itself is criminal. Being of international importance to the Textile and wider conservation community such a loss is unthinkable and very short sighted? Many practitioners in conservation have benefited from the work that has taken place at the TCC either via conferences, publications and groundbreaking research that few other organizations in this country are able to pursue. Please someone, have the foresight to rescue this valuable organization that positively promotes such a rewarding and inspirational subject matter.

Samantha Harvey, Abingdon, Oxfordshire

The result of closure of the TCC will be a huge vacuum within the heritage conservation world and textile preservation in particular and the long term repercussions should not be underestimated. The mere fact that aspiring youngsters wanting to pursue a career in textile conservation will be limited in their choice and be denied to be trained to the world renowned high standards of the TCC is sad to say the least. I sincerely hope that someone with a hand on a purse string and a more healthy long term view regarding the needs to preserve important heritage will step forward and rescue the centre. The University of Southampton clearly is not aware of the gem it has within its organisation.

Fred van de Geer, Reading, Berkshire, UK

I too was stunned to hear that the University of Southampton was no longer interested in retaining such a jewel of international repute, renowned for its standards of training and diversity and depth of research. Since the TCC came to Winchester with such a magnificent dowry, what recompense will the university pay when it dispossesses the centre from its building and makes it homeless? Since "market forces" seem to dominate the university's planning processes, perhaps it should seek to sell the building and its associated land on the open market and hand the proceeds over to the TCC ?

Helena Jaeschke, Exeter, Devon

How typical that a centre should be axed when it has helped build a picture of Britain as a "skills based" society throughout the world. I have advised students in southeast asia to take this course, and it is well known throughout the region. There are so many private and public textile collections worldwide and the importance of textiles historically is well known. Well done Southampton- an own goal if ever I saw one

Dr susan Conway, London, UK

Here’s a rhetorical question: Is the TCC closing simply because it supposedly “no longer fits the university’s research and funding criteria”? Or rather, because it is no longer valued as commercial enough to meet those funds and promote the particular university’s renewed strict capitalist ideology (which certainly exceeds itself)? Let’s not be blind about this, including the underlying reasons behind the TCC’s phased closure, its ramifications and severe repercussions. On not only the [textile] conservation and cultural heritage sectors, but also on the sacred ground the latter two are founded upon. That is, on academic education and its institutions which are increasingly called to turn from pedagogic and intellectually stimulating environments into emporium units.
The rationale behind all these –I regret to describe- pathetic developments is clear enough. It stems from the intensifying pressures imposed upon the Winchester School of Art (and by extension, the University of Southampton, alongside other academic institutions) to operate based on the colonizing forces of commodification and the demands of a late capitalist culture. Following which, universities are called to foster, promote and respond to a business-client mentality and to be valued by means of how much funds they each year earn. Be that in the form of AHRC grants, RAE grades, or other numerically-driven value awards, including the number of –ideally overseas- heads they each time attract.
Not just that, but in the midst of all these, we are increasingly encouraged to conflate research and funding. Or are we supposed to treat these two categories as one and define, ascribe value to, and promote the former based on the latter? Even though, I am convinced about the TCC’s inability to sustain itself financially and hence fit into the university’s funding criteria, I am particularly sceptical (in fact I am finding it extremely hard to believe) that the same applies to its research records. The TCC’s distinguished history and transatlantic reputation in precisely the field of research (through publications, organisation of conferences, exquisite resources including the provision of academic expertise) by far exceeds the University’s (let alone the Winchester School of Art’s) research standards. And surely the TCC has played a vital part in elevating the University of Southampton into the top ten Universities (according to research criteria) across the country! Biting the very hand it has fed it, the university’s decision to reject further support and actually shut the TCC down should not only be deemed “as no less than a betrayal of trust”, as Jery Podany’s statement rightly puts it, but also as a highly dangerous misrepresentation of what academic education stands for. Not least, because the verdict to close the TCC is based on completely wrong-headed criteria, falsified evidence and indecent intentions.
To get this right, the prime reason the TCC is phasing closure is NOT because it lacks the intellectual and practical resources which define TCC and the incredible and unique programme of research this internationally renowned organization has been committed to for 32 years now, but simply because it is no longer esteemed as marketable enough. The same way the same university’s exquisite History of Art and Design division was not ‘sellable’ enough and was for that reason alone penalised by closure, almost a year ago. Once again, for all the wrong reasons! I am not attacking the university alone for this state of affairs. Although I do certainly condemn its passive authorisation of the TCC’s closure. I refuse to believe that ‘hands are tight’, even when it comes to chain-decisions such as this, of which the university is arguably only the weakest link. The most powerful ones, of course, being the government, its bodies and the ideologies they serve and are served by.
Let’s face it, the Humanities and the Arts just can’t make it big in the capital. Who cares about research standards these days, outside their financial parameters? Besides, aren’t the former becoming increasingly synonymous with monetary criteria? And so, to be of our time (in fact, to survive), more students decide to study economics and sciences, universities to go commercial, by –amongst others- shutting prestigious, but ultimately unprofitable departments down. One needs not but compare the numbers of students currently enrolled in courses such as Textile Conservation and, say, Graphic Design, to get the point. But my point is that this should not be the biggest issue when considering academic institutions and education as a whole. In other words, universities (although I do acknowledge the fact they too are businesses in need of financial support and income) should not be driven solely by the demands of the market, the way the University of Southampton is clearly currently doing. For they risk setting certain much-needed cultural studies (like textile conservation) to oblivion, hence reducing academic education to a monolithic programme of studies and research. Above all, by so doing, promoting a market-friendly education only, which feeds on money (and money above all), but often, at a (great) cost. Namely, that of digesting stagnation and ultimately, cultural decline.
I may be pushing the point here but I feel the point needs to be pushed before we find ourselves with both our hands and mouth tight. For what concerns not only the future of conservation, heritage and culture industries, but also and above all, the future and integrity (as opposed to corruption based on misplaced emphasis/criteria) of the academic system as a whole.
At the time of writing, the number of responses to Simon Tait’s article on the University of Southampton’s closure of the TCC is 50. The number of signatures at the relevant petition to the Prime Minister to keep the TCC open is 2,277 (on line link: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/TCCClosure/). More than that is needed. Remember, we are, after all (whether we like it or not), competing with numbers here.

Evgenia Gypaki, Edinburgh, Scotland

Simon Tait's informative report highlights a shocking situation where the internationally renowned TCC, with a track record of excellence in research and teaching, can be closed down by the University of Southampton as though it were an under-performing department. This is a severe blow to the advancement of research in textiles history and conservation internationally, as well as to the preservation and care of a major part of our heritage, where TCC-trained conservators are at the forefront of making textiles collections accessible to a wide public.

catherine whistler, oxford, uk

I have known and worked with the TCC for fifteen years and am shocked by the University of Southampton's decision to close the centre.

The loss will ahve a huge impact on our ability to care for our heritage and our textile collections. The TCC has always been a great centre for excellence recognised internationally both within the conservation fields but also with textile collectors around the world. Their reputation for academic excellence is unrivalled and losing such a unique and valued instituion will make this country the poorer.

Edwina Sassoon

Edwina Sassoon, London,

As one who has seen the terrific research and work performedon at the TCC, and who has spoken at one of their conferences, I am truly saddened at the news of the impending closure of that centre. I understand the need for any university to be financially sound, however not all components of education are commercially viable or need to be money-making enterprises. Yes, money is essential for operating such a department, and these monies should either be contributed by corporate donors and/or by the government for support of such high-level academic and cultural activities. We are all hoping that such news can be reversed. All the best, Zvi.

Prof. Zvi Koren, Shenkar College, Israel

This is bizarre news, and deeply depressing. The TCC is one of the most respected institutions in the heritage sector, not just in the UK but worldwide - respected for its unique combination of the highest standards in craft skills, scientific analysis, material culture studies and museum studies.

Does Southampton University not want to earn the world's respect?

Crispin Paine, London,

The closure of the TCC poses some grave problems for any future textile conservation work in the UK. The Centre has state of the art equipment worked by specialists. Whilst the basic skills of stitching can be taught without any such equipment, the analysis of paint samples on banners or the silver content of silver tissue, for example, is not. Private textile conservators do not have this type of equipment , nor do the majority of museum textile conservation studios, which can be very costly, nor would they find the need to use it often.

There are many private conservators in Britain working on the majority of textile items but the TCC catered for those items which needed more intensive work doing on them. Whilst giving the students it trained the basic skills needed for any textile conservation it also allowed them to see and experience some of these more rarely used techniques, giving them an insight into what modern science can do and how to spot when it might be useful

Naomi Tarrant, Edinburgh,

The TCC has been the leading institution in the field of textile conservation over the last few decades and its closure would be an incredible loss to our profession. The unique interaction between a conservation department, an educational and a research program should be treasured. I was not trained at the TCC, but I was privileged to work for the TCC for several years at the beginning of my career. These years were extremely important for my professional development and I am still very grateful for the experience. The TCC has been a springboard for so many other textile conservators that ended up all over the world in all kinds of heritage professions, from conservators to educators and managers. It would be a real shame if others were not given this opportunity! The TCC has put the University of Southampton on the world map.

Foekje Boersma, Los Angeles, USA

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the TCC closing as it is one of few places to study textile conservation, both for a masters degree or a PhD degree. I will add my voice to those who realize what a great loss this will be to the textile community at large.

Sarah C. Stevens, Albany, USA/NY

The looting of Iraqi museums and the wanton destruction of Iraq's facilities for the conservation of internationally important artefacts of historical and cultural identity were widely and rightly condemned. I cannot help feeling that the decision to close the TCC is a similar act of destruction. If the work of TCC is now deemed to fall outside Southampton University's research and fiunding criteria, the University and its government funders urgently need to revise their criteria. It is utterly reprehensible for a University not to support and seek to resource a department which so admirably expresses any reasonable understanding of the role of any University to nurture such humane scholarship and culturally critical professional development.

Julian Batsleer, Manchester,

Nine years might be a long time in politics, or even in university planning cycles, but it is a very short time in terms of our heritage and the training of conservators to care for this heritage. Such effort and resources were put into the TCC to relocate it to Winchester that Southampton University should feel morally bound to see the TCC re-established and secure far into the future. Why are universties so anti vocational courses that ensure their graduates jobs afterwards? This 'jewel in the crown' of international training courses in conservation must not be allowed to die.

Jim Spriggs F.I.I.C., York, UK

It is desperately sad that the TCC faces closure. Its contribution to the long term survival and preservation of not just the UK’s heritage but to that of other countries, through its training of students from other nations, is immeasurable. Once lost it will be extremely difficult to re-establish such an exemplary training institution. The value of the textiles worked on by conservators trained at TCC can be counted in £m’s, as can be the value of the textiles that may be lost through neglect if we fail to continue to train textile conservators in this way. Means must be found to either persuade the university to reconsider their plans or for the money required to be raised for its continuation. This is vital.

Fiona Macalister, Bristol, UK

Although working in Conservation of Glass and Ceramics I am aware of the importance, value and good reputation of the TCC. It would be a loss to the conservation world but most importantly to our cultural heritage wordwide if it would close. I hope a way can be found to continue.

Hanneke Ramakers, London, UK

The TCC has had an international impact on both the conservation of textiles and the training of conservators in all fields. The course is run with imagination and rigor and the alumni continue to contribute to the knowledge and skill within all areas of conservation in the UK and internationally. The world of conservation and therfore our patrimony will be impoverished without the TCC.

Frances Halahan, London, UK

As a graduate of the TCC, I am extremely sad to hear of its imminent demise. As Martine de Lee has already pointed out, textiles have immense social significance and have often been the primary means of creative artistic expression for the poor and disenfranchised. Culturally, however, they are by no means the poor relation to "fine" art.

The TCC have worked tirelessly to promote the preservation of textiles made in the past, but they also have on-going research programmes into textiles of the future and the move to Southampton has produced very productive links with scientists and fashion experts within the University. This interdisciplinary approach benefits everyone - what a shame that it has to end.

There was never anything resigned or backward-looking about the TCC and I'm hopeful that, in spite of everything, the staff will find a new beginning somehow. They deserve the government's full support to continue their invaluable work.

Flora Nuttgens, Wantage, Oxfordshire, UK

I was able to complete an internship at the TCC at Hampton Court Palace in 1986. I am confident that the education, experience and training that I received could not have been presented by any other institution. It was an invaluable training opportunity for which I have been very grateful. The TCC has for decades provided an educational environment that is in my opinion unsurpassed. Every student and conservator that passes through the doors of the TCC in turn passes the knowledge and experience gained on to the museum professionals and others who seek their advice and expertise. It would be a crushing blow to the United Kingdom's textile collections as well as those of the rest of the world if the planned closure of the TCC at University of South Hampton is permitted.

Sandra Troon, Beaverton, Oregon, USA

This is tragic news. Textile conservation is an important and growing field. Textiles are valuable cultural artifacts which when properly conserved (and only when properly conserved) can convey the artistry and essence of the cultures and periods which produced them.

Education and training for conservators of textiles is needed now more than ever.

Interesting note: Have a look at the National Gallery of Australia's "adopt a textile" program, where conservation is privately funded (and permanently credited along with the textile conserved). If more institutions took this approach, more textiles could be fully conserved, and more demand for conservators generated, as well as increased skill and knowledge through the experiences gained in conserving "sponsored" textiles.

Susi Johnston, Seminyak Beach, Kuta, Bali Indonesia

The closure of the TCC is appalling and means the loss of not only a great centre of excellence but also a key training institution in the conservation field. How we are going to train the textile conservators of the future? The government is keen to encourage access to and involvement with the heritage of this country. However, without trained conservators to care for our collections to make them fit for display, this will be impossible.

Georgina Nayler, London, UK

Through the Textile Conservation Centre, Britain has had the privilege to be at the forefront of textile conservation training and research. Losing such a unique and valued institution is a shortsighted approach to excellence at university level.

Dr Susanna Harris, London, UK

Having studied at the University of Southampton, in the TCC building for the last four years I feel particularly strongly that the universty has chosen to abandon the TCC when it most needs help.
I have benefitted from the knowledge base that the TCC provides and feel that the it has long been undervalued by the University, which is clearly demonstrated in their decision to close the department.
As a centre of excellence the TCC is invaluable within the conservation industry and within the wider heritage sector. That the Government can let it close without further argument, sends a clear statement on where it stands in relation to development of the cultural sector.

Zoe Viney, Southampton,

As a museum professional with close associations to the TCC, it is obvious I abhor this closure and think it an unwise move by the University of Southampton.
Reading Simon Tait's article prompts me to ask: what is happening to the other members of the faculty that the TCC is a part of? Are they 'self-funding' and do they 'make a significant contribution to the central running costs of the university'? Have they been threatened with closure?
As Simon Tait notes, the TCC has consistently generated income from the AHRB, from fund raising and from commissions. Is the award of the (then) largest grant awarded by the AHRB not a significant contribution to the university's and centre's running costs?
As an Australian I am alas all too familiar with economic rationalism at play. It is a sad state of affairs when the value of education is measured in such calculating terms.

Dr Charlotte Smith, Melbourne, Australia

I am deeply saddened and disheartened by the potential closure of the Textile Conservation Centre, and by the alarming lack of prudence that the leadership of the University of Southhampton is exhibiting in such action.

It seems especially disgraceful that the British government can award £50 million to expand the worthy Tate Modern, but not find £5 to safeguard the longevity of our material culture.

Sheri A. Saperstein, Los Angeles, CA

Textile Conservation is a rare skilled profession and without centres like the one at Southampton the long-term care of costume, hisotirc houses and numerous museum collections will be put at risk.

Caroline Cliffe, Dorking, Surrey

I got my Musuem Studies MA this summer from the University of Southampton. During our study in the Winchester School of Art, the TCC provided wonderful environment and very good facilities to support our course. A considerable part of our lecturers are professional conservators from this Centre. Without TCC in the School, the Musuem Studies teaching might become different on which I shall hesitate to recommend to people who may be interested in coming to join the courses.

Iok Lan Fu Barrreto, Macao, China

I was very fortunate to benefit from the training given by the Textile Conservation Centre in the early 80’s which has led to a very rewarding career as a textile conservator working with textile collections of great international importance. It is a very specialised area and one that will not sustain vast numbers of students in order to fulfil government statistics. Our country and many others worldwide will become far poorer in terms of their knowledge and care of their heritage if we allow these more specialised courses to close.
The Centre has trained the vast majority of textile conservators in this country and a great many working throughout the world. Their reputation is world-class; they are fortunate to have an extremely dedicated, hard-working staff and very committed students that continually strive to improve the knowledge and status of the profession.
It is imperative the government finds ways of funding them to allow them to continue within a more secure future.

Nicola Yates, London, UK

Many people have already commented on the impact the loss of the Textile Conservation Centre will have on the conservation community. I would like to add that its closure also represents a loss to the academic community especially those working, teaching and researching in the fields of conservation and cultural heritage.

The TCC not only offers specialised training in a niche area but also offers excellence in teaching and research. It should be a sobering thought for academic programs the world over that being unique, world renowned, successful and popular is no longer a guarantee of longevity in today’s environment of “cost effective” higher education.

On the subject of economics, it would seem that Southampton University have focussed their calculations on “cost” and “price” while forgetting the all important aspect of ‘value”.

The closure of the Textile Conservation Centre should not go unchallenged and I sincerely hope that more media attention is given over to informing the general public of exactly what it is we stand to lose.

James Hales, London, UK

Recent studies have indicated that a healthy society requires a healthy culture - this would therefore imply the inclusion of healthy contemporary and historical textile collections. The lack of vision in the decision of Southampton University, the Government and other cultural institutions to close the internationally renown Textile Conservation Centre, is a traitorous blow to the international textile conservation-restoration profession, a ruthless insult to the international professional cultural heritage community at large, and demonstrates their flagrant narrow-minded unwillingness to invest in the inclusive maintenance of perpetually healthy communities.

Sharon Evelyn Little, Quebec, Quebec, Canada

As the creator and designer of the civilian and military clothing at the restored eighteenth century Fortress of Louisbourg in Cape Breton Nova Scotia, I am aghast at the thought of this exceptional education centre being even considered unworthy of continuance. This is so typical of a visionless government body, and for those pedestrian academics who only see value in "practical" courses of studies without even giving cosideration to the value of textiles historically.
I wonder who will look after the collection of Royal Garments currently in museums, and those to come from Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe - Queen Elizabeth 1st's clothes were all recycled by Queen Anne, stripping our knowledge of a major part of the Elizabethan life style.
DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN,The Textile Conservation Centre should be heralded by the Nation as the National Treasure it is.

Robert Doyle C,M,, Stratford,, Ontario, Canada

On behalf of The Costume Society and its worldwide membership I would like to add my name to those deploring this short-sighted closure. In the comments already posted much of what I would have said has already been sent to this forum.

We seem to have learned about this too late to assist with a concerted push to find £5million as an endowment but surely there must be individuals and agencies that the university and the TCC Foundation trustees can approach to find a sum which is small change for many these days?

Valerie Cumming, Chairman, The Costume Society, London, UK

We are constantly being told how important the UKs cultural heritage is to our national earning potential. The same is said of the world-class training provided by our higher education sector.

How are we to maintain the high standards of our museums, galleries and great houses (so vital to our tourist industry as well as to our own cultural well-being) if we cannot train people in the necessary (and also highly exportable) skills? This decision is disgraceful.

Jo Walton, London,

Once it is gone this unique collection cannot be retrieved. It is the envy of many colleges and Design institutions.There has to be a way to save such a treasure.

J P Pemberton, Kendal, Cumbria England

The closure of the TCC strikes directly at the heritage industry. That industry cannot survive and prosper without conservators of all disciplines. Closing such a training centre of such excellence would seem rather short term economics.

Dr. Clare Finn, London,

TCC does wonderful work, work that no one else is qualified to undertake. If Southampton University does not find that TCC's goals meld with the University's, TCC needs a new--and welcoming!--home. The industrious, dedicated, and highly motivated staff of TCC have much expertise to offer students and ailing textiles as well.

Emma Powers, Williamsburg, USA/VA

It is incredibly sad that such an important course can be closed. It reflects badly on Southampton University that they do not see the importance of having such a unique institution attached to it.

Anna Buruma, London,

It really is quite incredible that Southampton University, the Government and other cultural institutions are prepared to allow the closure of this centre of excellence. Perhaps someone from one of these could tell us who museums, libraries, archives and other historic institutions will be able to turn to for advice, training, expertise etc. As others have indicated, the skills and expertise of the TCC are known and respected throughout the world. Can we really be so short-sighted? We are a 'first world' country and this attitude is a disgrace!
As a hard-working museum curator I wonder why I bother about caring for our heritage, I might as well switch the lights off and go home!

Gail Stewart-Bye, Portsmouth, UK

I really was shocked to know that TCC decided to close the school...then where will other future conservator to be go to learn on textile conservation properly?

Min Sun Hwang, New York, USA

Why do all decisions have to be so short sighted and such a short term responses. If we have a world class establishment why are we not celebrating it and funding it appropriately? We seem to be very bad in this country at recognising the importance of excellence.

Liz Elliott, Kendal, UK

The Textile Conservation Centre is essential to the history of English textiles, which in turn were for centuries central to the economic history fo the nation. This international centre of excellence is a credit to Winchester and of vital importance to the past, present and future our wider social history.

Carol Warrington, Worthing,

I worked for a few years in a costume museum and the TCC was seen as the best and really only place to go for any textile conservation work, advice or training. I can't believe they would close it, especially when there is no alternative institution. The university are being very short sighted and missing the wider context.

Emily Dawson, London,

Historic textile collections require a tremendous input from conservators. Professional help is required for storage, handling, display and conservation to deal with material that is inherently fragile and liable to deterioration. It’s worth the effort. Textile collections include objects central to our national identity. They also generate income from tourism, publications, film and TV and can inspire new design.

Barbara Tomlinson, London, UK

It is an incredibly short sighted decision to close the Textile Conservation Centre and the impact, should it go, will ultimately be felt by all of us not just those in what could be seen as a “specialist” sector. It will mean the loss of those iconic and irreplaceable objects that a skilled and well-trained conservator can ensure survive a little longer for us, and future generations, to be able to enjoy and to learn the stories they have to tell.

Amy Miller, London, UK

The closure of the TCC is a not only short sighted, it is a disgrace and the government should be ashamed they are not stepping in to rectify this situation. This is a world renowned institution and has helped populate many countries with highly skilled textile conservators. Its loss not only places the cultural heritage of this country in jepordy but that of the world wide community.

Kirsten Elliott, Edinburgh,

I studied at the Textile Conservation Centre at Hampton Court Palace in the late 1970's. The Centre offered training which led me to a career as Textile Conservator at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. TCC courses have been taken by Textile Conservators from around the world and since the very beginning the staff have worked very hard to establish the degree programs and affiliation with a University. Textile Conservation will lose an important step in the training process if this program closes it's doors. Graduates from it work all over the world and have helped to bring credibility to the field of Textile Conservation. If it were not for the TCC, I would not have had the opportunity to pursue a career in this field.

Gail Niinimaa, Calgary, AB, Canada

The Textile Conservation Centre has promoted research and practice of the highest reputation and it is disappointing that the support Southampton University previously extended to develop and maintain the Centre since 1998 is under threat.

The possible loss of the only centre for the research and teaching of textile conservation in the UK providing expertise and well qualified graduates and an excellent testing service will have serious consequences and directly affect Scottish conservation community also. I hope there may be a way forward to preserve the unique and remarkable knowledge and skills represented by the TCC as once lost they would be impossible to regain and have international implications for the care of of our cultural heritage.

Linda Ramsay, Icon Scotland Group, Edinburgh,

The number of TCC graduate textile conservators employed at museums and private practices around the world is a direct result of the high standards of education and research offered by the TCC. It is a great shame to see it close!

Marei Hacke, London, UK

I'm not going to bore you with a great deal of rational as to why this closing is wrong. I'm merely going to say - this should not be happening to such a valuable institution.

Sharron Evans, Spring, Texas

For so long, perhaps 40 years or more, the international conservation community has slowly struggled to institute the professional training of conservators of our cultural heritage, and to lift the conservator’s role in our society from one of skilled artisans to the highly respected profession it now is. This has largely been achieved by developing and introducing conservation programs into academic institutions. A result of this has been the incredible development of a diverse field of research, innovation and hugely improved practices. Conservators educated in the United Kingdom have an excellent reputation worldwide. Surely we cannot take this backwards step by closing a program such as this after what has proven to such a positive evolution.

Gillian McMillan, New York City, U.S.A.

Cultural Heritage contributes to the definition of identity and represents a fundamental expression of the richness and diversity of different cultures. The protection of cultural heritage, an irreplaceable witness of the past, represents a common interest to all Nations; the transmission of that heritage to future generations must be supported. Therefore, the care and conservation of cultural heritage and its access (in both the public and private sectors) are matters of public interest -respect for the aesthetic, historic and spiritual significance of our cultural heritage as well as its physical integrity and context is a public responsibility - not the responsibility of any one institution. It is not the responsibility of a university to preserve our cultural heritage by providing the skilled and knowledgeable conservators of the future- it is the responsibility of government to ensure this happens.

Due to financial pressures and current government policies those universities which have been enlightened enough to develop extraordinary and internationally recognised specialist programmes for teaching and research in the conservation of cultural heritage now face the terrible possibility of having to close these courses - knowledge and skills would be lost- impossible to recreate when the implications of closure are realised. As a direct result of the strength of our reputation and staff expertise the UK programmes in cultural heritage conservation attract staff and students from all over the world and graduates from UK university courses are employed all over the world - such is the reputation of those graduates - ambassadors for the UK and our education system. The only possibility for such courses to survive in the current climate is that they are identified as needing additional financial support. Perhaps there will be an enlightened person who will come forward with an endowment to protect the future of the TCC but again - this should not be the responsibility of any one person or institution - it is the responsibility of the Nation and therefore of government.

Anne Bacon F.I.I.C., Newcastle upon Tyne, England

The news that the TCC is to close is a blow for the future of all conservation programmes in the UK. When successful programmes such as those at the TCC, and Durham before it, are forced to close it undermines the reputation and status of conservation in the UK and threatens the future of our cultural heritage. The recent Lords report on Heritage Science was highly critical of the situation in the UK and highligthed the need for a coordinated approach to education and training in this area. It seems that this report has been largely ignored and certainly failed to influence the decision of the University in closing the TCC

The conservation of cultural heritage requires knowledge, understanding and a belief that future generations should have the same opportunities that we have to study and enjoy our fragile cultural heritage. Short term decisons such as this confirm the inability of the government to understand the value of culture to the people and the economy of the UK.

Simon Cane, Birmingham, UK

The Textile Conservation Centre has been very successful at meeting government targets by attracting substantial funding, increasing student numbers without jeopardising quality and producing high level research. And yet, a single Higher Education Institution (Southampton University) can make a decision which, with a single blow, drammatically reduces this country's capacity to train and educate textile conservators for the future. TCC is not the first conservation course to close in the last few years and it is unlikely to be the last. If this continues we are going to wake up and find we have no professional conservators to take care of our country's heritage. What is needed is a national strategy for conservation education and training that addresses the funding structures which currently undermine the future of our heritage.

alison richmond, london, UK

Although I am writing here as the Chair of the Knitting and Crochet Guild I used to be a museum curator and so I can understand how difficult it is to explain to funders just how important textiles are.

Textiles are documentary evidence of the past; they chart our attitudes to religion, sex and our relationship to the world around us. They are usually the first way we experience colour and are an art form that is not just accessible to all but one that each of us uses, every day of our lives, to express ourselves.

Perhaps their ubiquity leads us not to value them but not to conserve textiles is like saying we should discard ancient manuscripts because we all have books now. Preserving the richness of history, whether on paper or as a textile, so that it informs the future should be the duty of all universities.

Martine de Lee, Beverley, UK

The proposed closure of the UK Institute Of Conservation by the University of Southampton which houses the collections of RIchard Rutt & Montse Stanley is a disaster for Textile Conservation. To my knowledge the only other collection of knitting & Crochet is held by the Knitting & Crochet Guild at Lee Mills in Scholes, Nr Holmfirth in West Yorkshire. Lee Mills contains textiles covering a wide selection of artefacts from an Irish Crochet wedding dress from Harrods to a pair of knitted mens long John's which need to be seen to be believed. They literally stand up on their own.
A large section of the development of knitting & crochet is contained in the two collections and their dispersal will further reduce the research possibilities of following knitting through the ages.

Denise Musk, Shipley, West Yorkshire