ICOM-CC Event “Leather Conservation for Today” 30-31 October

An ICOM-CC event, titled “Leather Conservation for Today,” will take place on 30-31 October, 2025, at De Montfort University, Leicester. The conference will have a hybrid format, with the in-person component held at the De Montfort University Campus and streamed digitally via Microsoft Teams. The event will be coordinated by one of ICOM-CC’s 21 Working Groups Leather and Related Materials and De Montfort University.

The aim of this event is to foster greater consideration and study of 19th, 20th, and 21st-century leather and leather objects, as well as the application of innovative treatment techniques that use new materials. We particularly want to focus on post-20th-century leather treatments, an area which currently lacks recognised, academically supported approaches. By bringing together a global cohort of practitioners in leather conservation, ICOM-CC hope to spark new conversations and exchange of ideas in this field.

Expected subjects for discussion include but are not limited to:

  • Mineral-tanned leather
  • Leather with synthetic coatings
  • Modern and contemporary art pieces involving leather
  • Use of sulphur-free or other modern leathers as a repair material

Presentations will explore topics related to:

  • Conservation techniques
  • Consequences of previous conservation treatments
  • Material and analytical techniques
  • (Art-)historical aspects of leather objects

Each presentation will be 20 minutes long, with approximately 16 presentations scheduled for the meeting. In addition, there will be a poster session, showcasing around 15 posters that will cover the subjects mentioned above.

They are also offering optional technical visits on Wednesday, 29 October, 2025, which attendees can register for in advance. These visits will include traditional leather/parchment manufacturers, a museum conservation studio tour, and a historic house. Costs for these visits are included in the event budget, though additional charges may apply if necessary.

Following the conference, postprints of the presentations will be produced, and will be digitally published on the ICOM-CC Online Publications Platform.