Awyn Beatrix Rileybird
Textile Conservator - Heritage Researcher - Educator
Awyn B. Rileybird is a heritage conservator specializing in the care of textiles. Awyn has
extensive experience working in museums and archives to document, treat, and preserve
collections of significant cultural value. Currently, Awyn is a professional lecturer
in preventive conservation at George Washington University
and an Andrew W. Mellon Fellow at the Smithsonian
National Museum of the American Indian.
This website includes highlights from Awyn's work in textile
conservation and heritage research.
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Photo: Evan Krape, University of Delaware
Conservation at
the Textile Museum
As a graduate intern with the Textile Museum's conservation lab, Awyn oversaw conservation project management for an exhibition of 33 animal-themed textiles. Awyn also contributed to textile rehousing, preventive conservation efforts, outreach activities, outgoing loan preparation, and integrated pest management. Click here to learn more about these and other activities Awyn undertook during their third year.
Textile Conservation at
the Winterthur Museum
As a graduate fellow in textile conservation, Awyn's second year in the WUDPAC program included four advanced textile conservation projects, independent studies on stitch repairs and wet cleaning, as well as training and research in heritage science. Click here to learn more about some of Awyn's second year activities.
Prior Experience
Before joining WUDPAC, Awyn worked domestically and abroad with conservation professionals in a wide range of material specialties. As a US-UK Fulbright recipient, Awyn pursued a master's degree in technical art history at the University of Glasgow. Their professional experiences include work with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, and the Rijksmuseum, among others. Click here to learn more about Awyn's prior experiences.