Mrs Karen Thompson

  • Senior Lecturer (History of Art)

telephone: 01413307608
email: Karen.Thompson@glasgow.ac.uk
pronouns: She/her/hers

History of Art, 8 University Gardens, Glasgow G12 8QH

Import to contacts

ORCID iDhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1625-4641

Research interests

Office Hour: Email for appointment

My key research interests include:

I am currently studying textile conservation teaching pedagogy, focusing on object based learning (OBL), as part of doctoral research. In addition, I am collaborating with colleagues at Glasgow Caledonian University investigating the effects of conservation cleaning protocols. I am also leading a small research project to embedding sustaininabilty into the curriculum in collaboration with an external partner, Marina Herriges.

I am part of the Kelvin Centre for Conservation and Cultural Heritage Research, University of Glasgow, Kelvin Hall, 1445 Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AW. 

My research interests stem from my work as a professional textile conservator and educator. I worked as a textile conservator for over 20 years and held posts in different conservation organisations both in the museum sector and private practice in the UK and abroad, including the Textile Conservation Centre (Hampton Court Palace and University of Southampton), National Museums of Scotland, People’s History Museum and Artlab Australia. My conservation practice involves work on many different types of textiles, specialising in tapestry, costume, and painted banners, as well as managing major conservation projects, including the conservation of original Victorian theatre scenery for Normansfield Hospital Theatre, Teddington, UK. Through my experience as a qualified teacher in both the university and wider education sector, I bring together my conservation practice, teaching and research. I am currently programme convenor for the MPhil Textile Conservation. I enjoy exploring creative ways to develop learning in professional practice contexts. 

 

Publications

List by: Type | Date

Jump to: 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2017 | 2016 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2001 | 1999 | 1997 | 1994
Number of items: 34.

2024

Mina, L., Montegut, D., Thompson, K. and Trupin, D. L. (2024) Conversations about teaching textile conservation: Forming a community of practice. In: Lennard, F., Ewer, P. and Mina, L. (eds.) Textile Conservation: Advances in Practice [2nd Edition]. Series: Conservation and Museology. Routledge, pp. 499-507. ISBN 9781032415819 (doi: 10.4324/9781003358787-59)

2023

Herriges, M. and Thompson, K. (2023) Co-Creation and Partnership as Keys to Embed Environmentally Sustainable Practices in Conservation Learning, Teaching and Future Practice. In: ICOM-CC 2023: 20th ICOM-CC Triennial Conference, Valencia, Spain, 18–22 September 2023, ISBN 9782491997793

2022

Salem, R. T.A., Thompson, K. and Uttamlal, M. (2022) Bleaching cotton in textile conservation: a closer look using atomic force microscopy. Heritage Science, 10, 195. (doi: 10.1186/s40494-022-00830-2)

Thompson, K. and Dale, V. (2022) The role of virtual placements in promoting self-regulated learning: stakeholder experiences of an online learning community during the Covid pandemic. Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice, 10(1), pp. 12-22. (doi: 10.14297/jpaap.v10i1.530)

Sanchez Villavicencio, D., Young, C. and Thompson, K. (2022) How to Paint a Trade Union Banner: The Role of Sources and Reconstructions in the Characterisation of George Kenning’s Banners in Glasgow Museums. In: Eighth Symposium of the ICOM-CC Working Group on Art Technological Source Research, Cologne, Germany, 26–27 Sept 2019, pp. 115-122. ISBN 9782491997427

2021

Jones, P., King, S. and Thompson, K. (2021) Clothing the New Poor Law workhouse in the nineteenth century. Rural History, 32(2), pp. 127-148. (doi: 10.1017/S095679332000014X)

Perry, M. , Rodolico, G. , Thompson, K. , MacEachern, K. , Anderson, S. and Huser, C. (2021) A conversation on sustainability in teaching practice. [Website]

Hunter, P., Mullen, H. , Offord, M. , Quinn, N. and Thompson, K. (2021) Early adoption in an agile online teaching environment: an intrapreneurial perspective. Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice, 9(2), pp. 127-136. (doi: 10.14297/jpaap.v9i2.476)

Uttamlel, M., Thompson, K. and Salem, R. T. A. (2021) Microscopic Analysis of New and Historic Cotton Textiles Pre- and Post-Bleaching. Microscience Microscopy Congress 2021 incorporating EMAG 2021, 6-8 July 2021.

Thompson, K. (2021) Power of reflexivity and reflective writing: becoming a mindful educator. [Website]

2020

Thompson, K. and Tasler, N. (2020) SoTLcast Podcast: SoTL and the Masters in Education. [Audio]

Chen, C. and Thompson, K. (2020) The use of nonwoven support materials for the conservation of three-dimensional painted silk. Postprints of the Textile Specialty Group, 30, pp. 77-96.

2019

Smith, M.J. , Schmidt, T., Thompson, K. and Dixon, M. (2019) Ion milling - the perfect cross-section of a painted textile. Heritage Science, 7, 74. (doi: 10.1186/s40494-019-0316-4)

2017

Thompson, K. (2017) The Conservation of the Normansfield Scenery Collection. Normansfield - Protecting a Theatrical Past, Teddington, UK, 20 May 2017. (Unpublished)

Thompson, K. , Jaap, A. and Lennard, F. (2017) Skills for Learning and Work - Promoting Graduate Attributes Through Diverse Approaches to Assessment. 10th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 30 Mar 2017. (Unpublished)

Foskett, S. and Thompson, K. (2017) An Evaluation of the Teaching and Learning of Reflective Practice at the Centre for Textile Conservation, University of Glasgow. In: Bridgland, J. (ed.) ICOM-CC 18th Triennial Conference Preprints, Copenhagen, 4–8 September 2017. ICOM Committee for Conservation.

Smith, M.J. and Thompson, K. (2017) Forensic analysis of textile degradation and natural damage. In: Carr, D. (ed.) Forensic Textile Science. Series: The Textile Institute book series. Woodhead Publishing: Duxford, pp. 41-69. ISBN 9780081018729 (doi: 10.1016/B978-0-08-101872-9.00004-2)

Smith, M. , Thompson, K. and Lennard, F. (2017) A literature review of analytical techniques for materials characterisation of painted textiles - Part 2: spectroscopic and chromatographic analytical instrumentation. Journal of the Institute of Conservation, 40(3), pp. 252-266. (doi: 10.1080/19455224.2017.1365739)

Thompson, K. , Smith, M. and Lennard, F. (2017) A literature review of analytical techniques for materials characterisation of painted textiles - Part 1: categorising painted textiles, sampling and the use of optical tools. Journal of the Institute of Conservation, 40(1), pp. 64-82. (doi: 10.1080/19455224.2016.1269355)

2016

Smith, M.J. , Thompson, K. and Hermens, E. (2016) Breaking down banners: analytical approaches to determining the materials of painted banners. Heritage Science, 4, 23. (doi: 10.1186/s40494-016-0095-0)

2014

Blair, K. and Thompson, K. (2014) The consolidation of mud-silk: a Southeast Asian textile. Studies in Conservation, 59(S1), S1-S4. (doi: 10.1179/204705814X13975704317237)

Thompson, K. (2014) No. 3 adhesives in textile conservation: a select annotated bibliography of references about adhesives in textile conservation compiled by Karen Thompson. ICON: The Institute of Conservation,

2013

Gamper, C., Thompson, K. and Quye, A. (2013) Viscose Rayon: An Absorbing Problem. An Investigation into the Impact Conservation Wet Cleaning Treatments have on Historic Woven Viscose Rayon Fabrics; with a Supplementary Analysis of Current Techniques for Identifying Man-Made Fibres. In: North American Textile Conservation Conference, San Francisco, CA, USA, 12-15 Nov 2013, pp. 54-71.

Quye, A. , Kiefer, J., Meller, N. and Thompson, K. (2013) Going to Waste? Opening a New Conversation with Historical Dirt. In: Institute of Conservation Icon2013 Triennial Conference: Positive Futures in an Uncertain World, Glasgow, UK, 10-12 Apr 2013,

Thompson, K. and Lennard, F. (2013) Normansfield theatre scenery: materials and construction revealed through conservation. In: Young, C. and Costaras, N. (eds.) Setting the Scene: European Painted Cloths from the Fourteenth to the Twenty-First Century. Archetype Publications: London, pp. 108-115. ISBN 9781904982906

2012

Thompson, K. , Coupar, S. and Benner, J. (2012) ‘Most I saw were very dirty, some very ragged and all of very coarse cloth’: the conservation of the nineteenth-century student gown in the Hunterian, University of Glasgow. In: Transactions of the Burgon Society. Burgon Society, pp. 36-45. ISBN 9780956127297

2007

Thompson, K. and Halliwell, M. (2007) Who put the text in textiles? Deciphering text hidden within a 1718 coverlet: documentation of papers hidden within an early 18th-century coverlet using transmitted light photography. In: Hayward, M. and Kramer, E. (eds.) Textiles and Text: Re-establishing the Links Between Archival and Object-based Research : Postprints. Archetype: London, pp. 237-243. ISBN 9781904982265

2006

Harper, M. and Thompson, K. (2006) Made to fit: reinstating a set of tapestries and painted panels into the Audley End Tapestry Room. In: Lennard, F. and Hayward, M. (eds.) Tapestry Conservation, Principles and Practice. Butterworth-Heinemann: Oxford, pp. 193-199.

2005

Thompson, K. and Halliwell, M. (2005) An initial exploration of the benefits of using transmitted visible light and infrared photography to access information concealed within multi-layered textiles. In: Janaway, R. and Wyeth, P. (eds.) AHRC Research Centre for Textile Conservation and Textile Studies : first annual conference, 13-15 July 2004 : scientific analysis of ancient and historic textiles : informing preservation, display and interpretation : postprints. Archetype: London. ISBN 9781873132791

Thompson, K. and Wild, J. (2005) Normansfield theatre scenery: project planning and practical solutions for vulnerable painted. In: Big Issues, Institute of Conservation (ICON) Textile Group Forum, London,

2001

Thompson, K. (2001) Lascaux™ - its use as a substrate free film. Conservation News, 74, pp. 45-46.

1999

Thompson, K. (1999) Taking care of banners. National Museum of Labour History. ISBN 095071206X

1997

Thompson, K. (1997) The history of Caesar tapestries from Powis Castle: the treatment of previous repairs and alterations. In: Marko, K. (ed.) Textiles in Trust. Archetype: London, pp. 195-196. ISBN 9781873132265

1994

Thompson, K. (1994) Sepiolite poulticing. Conservation News, 53, pp. 49-51.

This list was generated on Thu Nov 21 02:14:56 2024 GMT.
Jump to: Articles | Books | Book Sections | Conference or Workshop Item | Conference Proceedings | Audio | Website
Number of items: 34.

Articles

Salem, R. T.A., Thompson, K. and Uttamlal, M. (2022) Bleaching cotton in textile conservation: a closer look using atomic force microscopy. Heritage Science, 10, 195. (doi: 10.1186/s40494-022-00830-2)

Thompson, K. and Dale, V. (2022) The role of virtual placements in promoting self-regulated learning: stakeholder experiences of an online learning community during the Covid pandemic. Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice, 10(1), pp. 12-22. (doi: 10.14297/jpaap.v10i1.530)

Jones, P., King, S. and Thompson, K. (2021) Clothing the New Poor Law workhouse in the nineteenth century. Rural History, 32(2), pp. 127-148. (doi: 10.1017/S095679332000014X)

Hunter, P., Mullen, H. , Offord, M. , Quinn, N. and Thompson, K. (2021) Early adoption in an agile online teaching environment: an intrapreneurial perspective. Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice, 9(2), pp. 127-136. (doi: 10.14297/jpaap.v9i2.476)

Chen, C. and Thompson, K. (2020) The use of nonwoven support materials for the conservation of three-dimensional painted silk. Postprints of the Textile Specialty Group, 30, pp. 77-96.

Smith, M.J. , Schmidt, T., Thompson, K. and Dixon, M. (2019) Ion milling - the perfect cross-section of a painted textile. Heritage Science, 7, 74. (doi: 10.1186/s40494-019-0316-4)

Smith, M. , Thompson, K. and Lennard, F. (2017) A literature review of analytical techniques for materials characterisation of painted textiles - Part 2: spectroscopic and chromatographic analytical instrumentation. Journal of the Institute of Conservation, 40(3), pp. 252-266. (doi: 10.1080/19455224.2017.1365739)

Thompson, K. , Smith, M. and Lennard, F. (2017) A literature review of analytical techniques for materials characterisation of painted textiles - Part 1: categorising painted textiles, sampling and the use of optical tools. Journal of the Institute of Conservation, 40(1), pp. 64-82. (doi: 10.1080/19455224.2016.1269355)

Smith, M.J. , Thompson, K. and Hermens, E. (2016) Breaking down banners: analytical approaches to determining the materials of painted banners. Heritage Science, 4, 23. (doi: 10.1186/s40494-016-0095-0)

Blair, K. and Thompson, K. (2014) The consolidation of mud-silk: a Southeast Asian textile. Studies in Conservation, 59(S1), S1-S4. (doi: 10.1179/204705814X13975704317237)

Thompson, K. (2014) No. 3 adhesives in textile conservation: a select annotated bibliography of references about adhesives in textile conservation compiled by Karen Thompson. ICON: The Institute of Conservation,

Thompson, K. (2001) Lascaux™ - its use as a substrate free film. Conservation News, 74, pp. 45-46.

Thompson, K. (1994) Sepiolite poulticing. Conservation News, 53, pp. 49-51.

Books

Thompson, K. (1999) Taking care of banners. National Museum of Labour History. ISBN 095071206X

Book Sections

Mina, L., Montegut, D., Thompson, K. and Trupin, D. L. (2024) Conversations about teaching textile conservation: Forming a community of practice. In: Lennard, F., Ewer, P. and Mina, L. (eds.) Textile Conservation: Advances in Practice [2nd Edition]. Series: Conservation and Museology. Routledge, pp. 499-507. ISBN 9781032415819 (doi: 10.4324/9781003358787-59)

Foskett, S. and Thompson, K. (2017) An Evaluation of the Teaching and Learning of Reflective Practice at the Centre for Textile Conservation, University of Glasgow. In: Bridgland, J. (ed.) ICOM-CC 18th Triennial Conference Preprints, Copenhagen, 4–8 September 2017. ICOM Committee for Conservation.

Smith, M.J. and Thompson, K. (2017) Forensic analysis of textile degradation and natural damage. In: Carr, D. (ed.) Forensic Textile Science. Series: The Textile Institute book series. Woodhead Publishing: Duxford, pp. 41-69. ISBN 9780081018729 (doi: 10.1016/B978-0-08-101872-9.00004-2)

Thompson, K. and Lennard, F. (2013) Normansfield theatre scenery: materials and construction revealed through conservation. In: Young, C. and Costaras, N. (eds.) Setting the Scene: European Painted Cloths from the Fourteenth to the Twenty-First Century. Archetype Publications: London, pp. 108-115. ISBN 9781904982906

Thompson, K. , Coupar, S. and Benner, J. (2012) ‘Most I saw were very dirty, some very ragged and all of very coarse cloth’: the conservation of the nineteenth-century student gown in the Hunterian, University of Glasgow. In: Transactions of the Burgon Society. Burgon Society, pp. 36-45. ISBN 9780956127297

Thompson, K. and Halliwell, M. (2007) Who put the text in textiles? Deciphering text hidden within a 1718 coverlet: documentation of papers hidden within an early 18th-century coverlet using transmitted light photography. In: Hayward, M. and Kramer, E. (eds.) Textiles and Text: Re-establishing the Links Between Archival and Object-based Research : Postprints. Archetype: London, pp. 237-243. ISBN 9781904982265

Harper, M. and Thompson, K. (2006) Made to fit: reinstating a set of tapestries and painted panels into the Audley End Tapestry Room. In: Lennard, F. and Hayward, M. (eds.) Tapestry Conservation, Principles and Practice. Butterworth-Heinemann: Oxford, pp. 193-199.

Thompson, K. and Halliwell, M. (2005) An initial exploration of the benefits of using transmitted visible light and infrared photography to access information concealed within multi-layered textiles. In: Janaway, R. and Wyeth, P. (eds.) AHRC Research Centre for Textile Conservation and Textile Studies : first annual conference, 13-15 July 2004 : scientific analysis of ancient and historic textiles : informing preservation, display and interpretation : postprints. Archetype: London. ISBN 9781873132791

Thompson, K. (1997) The history of Caesar tapestries from Powis Castle: the treatment of previous repairs and alterations. In: Marko, K. (ed.) Textiles in Trust. Archetype: London, pp. 195-196. ISBN 9781873132265

Conference or Workshop Item

Uttamlel, M., Thompson, K. and Salem, R. T. A. (2021) Microscopic Analysis of New and Historic Cotton Textiles Pre- and Post-Bleaching. Microscience Microscopy Congress 2021 incorporating EMAG 2021, 6-8 July 2021.

Thompson, K. (2017) The Conservation of the Normansfield Scenery Collection. Normansfield - Protecting a Theatrical Past, Teddington, UK, 20 May 2017. (Unpublished)

Thompson, K. , Jaap, A. and Lennard, F. (2017) Skills for Learning and Work - Promoting Graduate Attributes Through Diverse Approaches to Assessment. 10th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 30 Mar 2017. (Unpublished)

Conference Proceedings

Herriges, M. and Thompson, K. (2023) Co-Creation and Partnership as Keys to Embed Environmentally Sustainable Practices in Conservation Learning, Teaching and Future Practice. In: ICOM-CC 2023: 20th ICOM-CC Triennial Conference, Valencia, Spain, 18–22 September 2023, ISBN 9782491997793

Sanchez Villavicencio, D., Young, C. and Thompson, K. (2022) How to Paint a Trade Union Banner: The Role of Sources and Reconstructions in the Characterisation of George Kenning’s Banners in Glasgow Museums. In: Eighth Symposium of the ICOM-CC Working Group on Art Technological Source Research, Cologne, Germany, 26–27 Sept 2019, pp. 115-122. ISBN 9782491997427

Gamper, C., Thompson, K. and Quye, A. (2013) Viscose Rayon: An Absorbing Problem. An Investigation into the Impact Conservation Wet Cleaning Treatments have on Historic Woven Viscose Rayon Fabrics; with a Supplementary Analysis of Current Techniques for Identifying Man-Made Fibres. In: North American Textile Conservation Conference, San Francisco, CA, USA, 12-15 Nov 2013, pp. 54-71.

Quye, A. , Kiefer, J., Meller, N. and Thompson, K. (2013) Going to Waste? Opening a New Conversation with Historical Dirt. In: Institute of Conservation Icon2013 Triennial Conference: Positive Futures in an Uncertain World, Glasgow, UK, 10-12 Apr 2013,

Thompson, K. and Wild, J. (2005) Normansfield theatre scenery: project planning and practical solutions for vulnerable painted. In: Big Issues, Institute of Conservation (ICON) Textile Group Forum, London,

Audio

Thompson, K. and Tasler, N. (2020) SoTLcast Podcast: SoTL and the Masters in Education. [Audio]

Website

Perry, M. , Rodolico, G. , Thompson, K. , MacEachern, K. , Anderson, S. and Huser, C. (2021) A conversation on sustainability in teaching practice. [Website]

Thompson, K. (2021) Power of reflexivity and reflective writing: becoming a mindful educator. [Website]

This list was generated on Thu Nov 21 02:14:56 2024 GMT.

Grants

  • 2022 "Are established textile cleaning protocols used in conservation damaging historic treasures? A microscopic and spectroscopic investigation". Royal Society of Chemistry £10,000. Project in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University.  Mahesh Uttamlal, PI & Karen Thompson Co-I.
  • 2021-22 Embedding environmental sustainability for active learning and student engagement in textile conservation. £2942.50. University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Development Fund. Karen Thompson (Glasgow, PI) & Marina Herriges (External Partner, Co-I). LTDF project details
  • 2020 'Microscopic analysis of historic textile fibres pre- and -post cleaning' Summer Studentship Funded by the Royal Microscopical Society. Project in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University.  Mahesh Uttamlal, PI & Karen Thompson Co-I. £2000 

  • 2015 Painted textile research. Textile Conservation Foundation - Funded short part-time contract for a research assistant, 6 months for 2 days a week, to investigate and fabricate model painted textiles in order to understand the complex surface and interfacial interactions that occur in these historic objects over time. £7,500

  • 2003/4 AHRB Small Award, ‘An initial exploration of the benefits of using transmitted light photography to access information concealed within multilayered textiles’ £3,150

  • 2005/6 AHRB Small Award, ‘Documentation of papers concealed within an eighteenth century coverlet using transmitted light photography’ £1,355

 

Teaching

  • MPhil Textile Conservation, convenor 
    • Principles and Practice: Advanced Skills
    • Principles and Practice: Conservation Projects
    • Material Cultures
    • Placement
  • Also contributes to teaching
    • Deconstructing the Artefact
    • Ethics in Textile Conservation Practice
    • Framing Dress and Textile Histories

Additional information

Administration

  • Learning and Teaching Convenor for School of Culture and Creative Arts

Awards and Recognition

Project manager for the Conservation of Normansfield Theatre Scenery, shortlisted for the National Conservation Awards, 2005.

Senior Fellow Recognised Excellence in Teaching (SF RET)

Fellow of the International Institute of Conservation (FIIC)

Accredited Conservator-Restorers (ACR), The Institute of Conservation (Icon)

External Responsibilities

External Examiner MA & BA Conservation, City and Guilds of London Art School (2019 - present)

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Conservation Higher Education Institutions Network (CHEIN), Network Steering Group