Today we hear from the Whitworth’s textile and wallpaper volunteers, who tell us a bit about what they get up to behind the scenes and why volunteering at the gallery is so important to them.

Behind the scenes with our textile volunteers

What kind of objects do our volunteers help to conserve?

The textile volunteers assist in the conservation of textiles from the fourth century, and wallpapers from the sixteenth century, down to contemporary times.

The curators, with their extensive knowledge and expertise, inform and share with us best practice in how to assist in maintaining precious objects of rarity for the purpose of education.

– Louise

What have you enjoyed most as a volunteer?

I have been a Textile Care Volunteer for 2 and a half years. I find the work very satisfying and interesting. It feels satisfying because the team are constructively helping to conserve very important pieces of textiles. When you see so many wonderful designs, some very old and some quite new, it proves to be interesting getting to know their background history and to see and work with the textiles is a privilege.

Sometimes we get shown an exhibition being set up – that is, of course, very interesting and exciting. All this makes me feel past of the Whitworth organisation and gives me pride.

–Mark

As a creative person and photographer, I really value volunteering at the Whitworth. To have the opportunity to be exposed to beautiful and highly detailed designs gives me a lot of inspiration to take home and fuel my own creativity.

Below is a cyanotype I made from a digital negative inspired by the collection, and transformed into greeting cards.

– Ann

Volunteering at the Whitworth is always an informative, collaborative and engaging experience.

It’s wonderful to be with people who share very different views. A place where tolerance, acceptance and understanding are celebrated; a place where we are encouraged to think differently and challenge ourselves. Here is a place where ART really matters and can make a difference. It has made me appreciate how important art is to all our lives.

For me there are there are so many positives. The privilege of viewing and handling the collection, learning new skills, expanding my knowledge and making a difference.

All this while making good friends, sharing time together and enjoying ourselves!

I have used some of this experience to help with my lino printing. Wallpapers in particular have been a source of inspiration.

Happy Christmas everyone.

–Elizabeth