Conservation in preparation for First World War Centenary
In preparation for the First World War centenary commemorations, various items of costume and textiles from our collections are undergoing conservation treatment ready for display at the Ferens Art Gallery for the 'When War Hit Home: Hull and the First World War' exhibition, which will open in July 2014, and the redevelopment of the Georgian Houses section of Wilberforce House Museum, due to open at the end of the year. Funded by Arts Council England, this will help to illustrate the experiences of Hull people during the war. The pieces undergoing treatment include an officer's uniform and a gas mask which echo life on the front, and a nurse's uniform which exemplifies the growing role undertaken by women at work. A home-made table cloth showing naval ships and the words 'Welcome Home' is being cleaned and professionally mounted to reflect the poignant stories of those men who returned home at the end of the war. Some very fragile dresses are also being treated and will be displayed to illustrate alterations in women's fashion over the period and how this reflected changes in society. #IMAGE# A number of First World War era firearms are also being conserved by the Royal Armouries in preparation for display within an East Yorkshire Regimental gallery at Wilberforce House Museum, due to open late in 2014 and also funded as part of the same Arts Council England project. #IMAGE#
