Kate Blair
Textile Conservator

Since I was young I have been a maker and appreciator of textiles. The first sewing project I remember was a classy jacket for my teddy bear made with off-cuts from my mother’s hand-made wedding dress. As I pursued my technical love of textiles at university I discovered a visceral cultural truth. Clothing and personal adornments have been with us since the beginning of humanity, and nothing tells the story of a society better than its textiles. Technological developments, value systems, trade routes, and evolution of culture - these are a few of the many threads that make us who we are. We can see them in our garments, furnishings, utilitarian items, and art.

I am passionate about preserving our textile culture.

I do this by physically caring for textile pieces, from historical to contemporary. I also believe that cultural practice and the knowledge of making are important ways to preserve our taonga/treasures. I celebrate textile traditions and innovations alike, and seek to conserve these for all to enjoy.

As a Kiwi who has practiced conservation both overseas and in Aotearoa New Zealand, I have worked with textiles from a range of cultures, including Native American, Asian, European, Pacific Island, and Māori.

I am a member of NZCCM and follow their Code of Ethics.