Thursday 17 September, 2-5 p.m.: Tour: The Lightfoot Textile Archives and African Art Gallery with Janie Lightfoot

Janie Lightfoot Textiles, 21 Park Parade, London, NW10 4JG

Janie Lightfoot an accredited conservator, director and senior conservator at Janie Lightfoot Textiles LLP which she established in 1977. Based in Northwest London and running fully equipped studios, she leads a team of eight conservation specialists. Janie acts as a consultant to several major institutions, is an associate lecturer at University of the Arts London, and a frequent speaker at conservation and textile conferences. Alongside conservation work she lectures, writes articles and book reviews.

The studio has a long-standing relationship with textile students and local schools, and Janie runs The Janie Lightfoot Textile Archive. This extensive collection allows us to work with students and interns both in the UK and from around the world. These internships can be from one to three months in duration, encouraging the development of conservation skills for the future.

The studio also houses a private collection of artefacts from across the African Continent and Janie acts as the Curator for the Lightfoot African Art Collection alongside her husband David. The collection of African material culture is extensive, with over 1500 objects that include beadwork, textiles and ceremonial costume, metal and basketwork. This is now displayed in a dedicated gallery, giving us an opportunity to share our enjoyment in the vibrancy & inventiveness of African Tribal Art & Artefacts.

Event Description
Participants will receive a guided tour by Janie Lightfoot ACR, founder of The Lightfoot Textile Archive, African Archive and the African Gallery.

The Lightfoot Textile Archive comprises over 2500 objects, including womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, flat textiles and accessories.  The oldest textiles are Coptic dating from around 600CE.  There are examples of European fashion with the main spectrum ranging from 18th Century to present day.  The provenance of the collection is far reaching, coming from almost all the world’s geographical regions. The collection of African cultural material is particularly wide ranging with over 1100 objects that include beadwork and ceremonial costume.

This tour offers insight into how these collections were established and where the objects were discovered. The session will cover the role of the archivist, the importance of accurate cataloguing and storage, and methods for collection maintenance and upkeep.

Participants will have the opportunity to view items from the archive firsthand and see the beaded, woven and metal work tribal artifacts in the Gallery up close.

Light refreshments will be provided on the roof terrace at the end of the tour. (Weather permitting). 

Event Cancellation Policy
All bookings are non-refundable. However, if you let us know that you are unable to attend an event you have booked at least two weeks before the event, we will open up your place. If we find another participant, you will be offered a credit note.

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