This publication focuses on the interrelationship between archival and bibliographic research and the study of extant objects. Papers consider how archival and bibliographic research can inform our knowledge of textiles and dress in terms of their production, consumption, dissemination and deterioration and in turn, how the study of extant objects can give added depth to this analysis. The authors include conservators, curators, historians and conservation scientists.

These postprints are the third in a series of three volumes of papers emanating from the conferences of the AHRC Research Centre for Textile Conservation and Textile Studies, Textile Conservation Centre, University of the Southampton, and published by Archetype Publications. The themes for the preceding volumes are:

-Scientific Analysis of Ancient and Historic Textiles: Informing Preservation, Display and Interpretation?(published 2005)

-The Future of the 20th Century: Collecting, Interpreting and Conserving Modern Materials?(published 2006)