SLTC attends the International Leather Conservation Event, in Leicester on 30-31st October 2025
The Leather Conservation Centre recently hosted the International Council of Museums (ICOM), 13th Interim Meeting of the Leather & Related Materials Committee for Conservation meeting.
For nearly 40 years the Leather and Related Materials Group (one of the Working Groups of the International Council of Museums Committee for Conservation – ICOM CC), have been gathering every three years to share and disseminate research and developments essential to advancing the conservation and care of objects made from leather, skin and related materials.
In October 2025, the interim meeting was held in the UK for the first time in many decades, and brought together an international cohort of conservation professionals working across a wide span of museum collections, including, Natural History, World Cultures, Fashion, Automotive, Decorative Arts and Book and Archive, to share new research and techniques relating to the conservation of leather, parchment and other skin materials.
The conference was held at Leicester Castle, in the grounds of De Montfort University over the course of Thursday 30th and Friday 31st October 2025, and included optional technical visits on Wednesday 29th and a number of social/networking events.
SLTC Council Member, Karl Flowers, presented during the Thursday session, providing an overview of modern leather technology, looking at traditional compositions, applications, formulations and finishings. Some lively discussion took place.
On the second day, SLTC President, Deborah Taylor, presented on the history and objectives of the SLTC, and jointly introduced a new cooperation between SLTC and LCC, with Arianne Panton, Manager of Conservation & Research. Watch this space for more news on the collaboration soon!