MPhil Textile Conservation, University of Glasgow

Having the opportunity to study at the Centre for Textile Conservation has been a truly exceptional experience, and one that would not have been possible without the generous support of the Anna Plowden Trust.

This intensive two-year MPhil programme has introduced me to a vast array of practical textile conservation skills, all of which have been underpinned by expertly taught scientific and ethical concepts. I have enjoyed carrying out ever more complex conservation treatments on a diverse variety of objects, from the stitched stabilisation of a Pre-Colombian archaeological textile, to the wet cleaning of a hand-made Edwardian pinafore. I now look forward to beginning work on an ornate mid-19th century neck-protector or hikeshi-shikoro, which would have been worn ceremonially by the wife of a Japanese fire-fighter.

It was a great privilege to be awarded a Plowden Scholarship. I sincerely hope that as my conservation career progresses I will be able help future students just as this bursary has helped me.

Keira now works in the V&A's Textile Conservation department.