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Woven Worlds: A Story of Creativity and Conservation

Final adjustments to the re hanging of the tapestries at Hardwick, Derbyshire
Final adjustments to the re hanging of the tapestries at Hardwick, Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Celebrate the international significance of the 16th century Gideon Tapestries at this specialist symposium.

In July 2023, the re-hanging of the last of the thirteen, 16th century woven tapestries, depicting the biblical story of Gideon and the Midianites, marked the end of the longest textile treatment project ever undertaken in the National Trust’s 130th year history. 

Receiving High Commendation in the Museum and Heritage Awards, the project went on to win the illustrious Europa Nostra Award for the Conservation and Adaptive Re-use. 

To celebrate this milestone of international recognition, Hardwick Hall and the National Trust's Textile Conservation Studio have organised a symposium ‘Woven Worlds: A Story of Creativity and Conservation’ which will take place on the 28 – 29 April 2025. 

Slider with before and after images
Gideon Tapestry before conservation
Gideon Tapestry before conservation | © National Trust Images/James Dobson
Gideon Tapestry after conservation

Speakers

Themes presented at the symposium will include tapestry patronage, impact and content around display, collaboration, research, discoveries made through conservation treatments, highlighting new perspectives and advances in general practice. 

  • Helen Wyld, Senior Curator of Historic Textiles, National Museums of Scotland, previously Paul Mellon Fellow at National Trust 2007 – 2011, author of  ‘The Art of Tapestry’ 

  • Historian David Adshead, previously Head Curator at National Trust and editor of ‘Hardwick Hall, A Great Old Castle of Romance’ 

  • Emma Slocombe, Senior National Curator (Dress and Textiles), National Trust 

  • Pierre Maes, Director, Kononklijke Manufactuur De Wit, Belgium 

  • Dr. Mark Webb, Researcher and editor of ‘The St Mary’s Hall Coventry Tapestry: Weaving Threads Together’ 

  • Ksynia Marko, former Advisor for Textile Conservation at National Trust, and author of ‘Woven Tapestry – Guideleines for Conservation’ 

In additional, conservators from Historic Royal Palaces, the National Trust and specialists from private practice will also speak at the symposium. 

Final stitches are carefully applied to the final tapestry by hand. Two pale skin hands are holding a needly and thread, weaving the pieces of the golden/brown tapestry together.
Final stitches being applied lovingly to the final tapestry | © National Trust / James Dobson

Tickets booking

Tickets will be available February 2025. There are two types of tickets available for the symposium, online and in-person. Please read the below to ensure you book the correct event. 

Woven Worlds Symposium: Online Live Streamed Event
These tickets are for a virtual access to the live-streamed symposium and speakers for the 28 April only.  Book now
Woven Worlds Symposium: 2 Day In-Person Event
These tickets are for access to the symposium in person at the Casa Hotel Conference Centre, Chesterfield, Derbyshire on the 28 April and Hardwick Hall, Chesterfield, Derbyshire on the 29 April. Accommodation/travel is not included in the price of the tickets. Book now
Text reads on a bright blue background with bright yellow writing 'Material Power: Let the textiles do the talking'
Material Power: Let the textiles do the talking | © National Trust/ John Hammond
Additional events and workshops
A celebration of tapestry, embroidery and appliqué. Discover how Bess of Hardwick’s exquisite textile collection tells her story.Material Power: Let the textiles do the talking