Research

The LCC is a key player in the field of leather conservation and remains at the forefront of research and development in the area. All projects are approached with a critical eye and the course of action informed by research and evidence.

Our research activities range from small-scale inhouse testing, specific object-focused explorations, to collaborative large-scale research initiatives aimed at understanding and finding solutions to defining issues in leather conservation. Dissemination of our research is an important part of our education output and takes various forms including blog posts, presentations, academic publications and contributions to specialist magazines.

The LCC hosts the Betty Haines Archive online, which comprises a collection of over 600 skin and leather samples from a variety of species types worldwide. The archive acts as both a historic document and working archive that is freely accessible to researchers online.