Meet Rhianne

Headshot of Rhianne Deaves. She is a white female, wearing a long-sleeved black shirt. She has long dark-brown hair and is shown smiling. The background is black.

Why I Chose Conservation

My personal interest in history and antiques, paired with my artistic and scientific skills, led me to studying Conservation of Cultural Heritage at the University of Lincoln. I believe caring for historic collections is important to preserving our past for future generations.

Career Aspirations

Although I have enjoyed working with a variety of objects and materials while at Lincoln, I have a particular interest in textile conservation. My personal love of sewing and embroidery has influenced my interest in historic textiles and has provided me with skills necessary in this field.

Best University Experience

During my second year at University, I enjoyed in a 12-week student placement with Zenzie Tinker Conservation in Brighton. Here, they specialise in textile conservation, and is where I solidified my desire to specialise in this particular field. Many new skills were gained, experiencing working with a variety of objects as well as site-work. I was fortunate to also experience some tapestry conservation while here which I particularly enjoyed.

Rhianne is pictured stood behind a large wash table wet cleaning a christening gown using a sponge.
Wet cleaning a christening gown on placement

While on placement I conserved a pair of leather coronation gloves dating from 1821 which belonged to Lord Sackville of Knole House. The gloves formed part of an exhibition for the platinum jubilee at Knole House, Kent, where I assisted with the installation.

My interest in natural textile dyes led me to focus my undergraduate dissertation on investigating the effects of accelerated aging on madder dyed textiles. The findings provided information in relation to the conservation of madder dyed objects as well as the use of madder as a natural dye in conservation processes.

Add Rhianne on LinkedIn

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhianne-deaves-312329255


Rhianne’s Exhibition Objects.

Click on an object below to learn more about its treatment.