File puptcrit/puptcrit.0506, message 228


Date: Wed, 22 Jun 2005 06:18:58 -0700
To: puptcrit-driftline.org-AT-lists.driftline.org
From: Steve Axtell <steve-AT-axtell.com>
Subject: [Puptcrit] Preserving Puppets Conference




http://www.soton.ac.uk/Press/PressReleases/Name,6182,en.php

Popular TV puppets from the 1960s and 1970s such as Bagpuss, Larry the Lamb
and Tog from Pogles' Wood will survive in a good condition for future
generations to enjoy following research by textile experts into the best
way to conserve the modern materials they are made of.

The researchers' findings form part of the programme at the Arts and
Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Research Centre for Textile Conservation
and Textile Studies' second annual conference to be held between 26 and 28
July.  The conference, entitled 'The future of the 20th century:
collecting, interpreting and conserving modern materials', will explore how
to preserve modern materials, that include plastics such as nylon, acrylics
and polypropylene.

Cordelia Rogerson, the conference organiser, comments: 'Modern materials
are the basis of our contemporary material world and they are all around
us, whether as everyday objects or as art.  We need to develop ways of
conserving these materials to ensure that they live on into the
future.  This conference aims to bring together a diverse range of people,
expertise and interests that should spark some interesting debate and we
hope to help develop strategies to ensure that evidence of today's world
survives for future generations.'

The television puppet research project provided valuable information about
the long-term care and possible conservation and restoration of objects
made from modern materials.  The puppets were created with materials such
as polyurethane foam, and polyester fur fabric with acrylic pile.  Similar
items are displayed in museums around the country where storage conditions,
lighting, temperature and humidity can affect the condition and lifespan of
the materials.  The research project used scientific analysis, including
x-rays and light ageing tests, to identify how and why the physical
properties of the puppets were affected by aging and their
surroundings.  As a result, researchers have been able to advise museums
and private owners how best to store and display the puppets.

Other conference sessions will cover a wide range of issues relating to
modern textile conservation.  Mary Brooks and Leo Dokos of the Textile
Conservation Centre will present their findings about 'smart' and techno
fabrics.  Experts from the National Museum of Denmark will explain how
freezing materials can help to preserve them, while conservators from the
Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, Russia will talk about modern textile
conservation in practice at the Museum.  One of several case studies in the
programme highlights the problems faced in Hong Kong in conserving a
heavily sequinned Cantonese Opera stage curtain.

The AHRC Research Centre is part of the Textile Conservation Centre at
Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton.  The conference takes
place at the Textile Conservation Centre in Winchester.  More details about
the conference, including the full programme can be seen at
<http://www.soton.ac.uk/%7Econtex/programme.htm>http://www.soton.ac.uk/~contex/programme.htm



Steve Axtell / Axtell Expressions, Inc.
***************************************
See our new show "AxTelevision" on DVD!    http://www.axtelevision.com
Amazing Puppet Characters for over 20 years. http://www.axtell.com
International Performer's Directory (Free
Listing)   http://www.axtell.com/ipd.html
The original content of this email or attachments is =A9 2005 Axtell
Expressions, Inc.
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