Twenty-first century sofa: conserving an eighteenth century object for modern museum display

This article describes the upholstery conservation treatment of a mid-eighteenth century sofa made for Spencer House, one of London's finest private houses. The sofa is now in the collection of National Museums Scotland. Details are given about the object's history, the approach taken to the complex treatment options, and the use of modern materials to replace missing traditional natural fibres. Co-ordinating a project using multiple contractors, and the impact and outcome of producing digital media content to showcase the project are also discussed.