Taylor-Davies Design conducts ongoing research into art installation practices, exploring the intersection of textile conservation, material culture and contemporary exhibition design. This work examines how historical objects and newly created textile pieces can be presented within gallery and museum environments in ways that are both visually compelling and sensitive to the requirements of preservation. Through collaborations with curators, artists and institutions, the studio has developed a body of knowledge around best practices for installing delicate and complex works.
A particular focus of this research lies in the methodologies used to mount, support and display textile-based artworks and artefacts. This encompasses the engineering of bespoke mounting systems, the selection of conservation-grade materials, and the development of techniques that minimise stress on fragile fabrics while achieving the artistic vision of the exhibition. The studio draws on decades of hands-on experience to inform these investigations, combining practical workshop expertise with academic rigour.
This research has been informed by involvement in major exhibitions at institutions including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Barbican Centre and the Simone Handbag Museum. Each project presents unique challenges — from the environmental conditions of the gallery space to the specific physical properties of the objects on display — and contributes to an evolving understanding of how installation practice can best serve the dual aims of access and preservation.