This floral Chinese skirt is over one hundred years old and it is an excellent example of the skill of free hand embroidery, the design of traditional Chinese dress for women of high social status, and the superior quality of fabrics used in clothing in its era. Restoration is needed to the hem, to the waistband and to repair loose stitching. Textiles don’t make it in general public exhibitions as much as they should, and as this Chinese skirt is so beautiful, and such a unique item in The Atkinson collection, it would be wonderful to raise the funds necessary to have it restored and displayed for the first time. The exhibition entitled Cross Pollination at The Atkinson, is free of charge and we hope you’ll come along and see the piece that you’ve helped to conserve when it’s on display and learn more about it. After the exhibition, which runs from June 2019-March 2020, the garment will be available for study giving a lasting legacy to your donation for generations to come.

What we'll deliver:

• We’ll put this amazing Chinese textile piece on public display during the exhibition (June 2019-March 2020).
• We’ll reinforce the significance of this piece through free talks, tours and information sheets.
• We’ll promote the importance of the specialised skill of conservation in protecting heritage and social history.
• We’ll deliver greater accessibility when the item is in storage as it will be fit for supervised study.
• No matter how much, every single pledge really helps, and if you donate £10, or more, we will:
• i. add your name on ‘a thank you list’ alongside the displayed item;
• ii. add your name on ‘a thank you list’ on The Atkinson’s website; and
• iii. email you with ‘a certificate of appreciation’ (in pdf format) upon request.

Why it's a great idea:

• We are proud that our region is home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe and want to celebrate this by conserving and displaying this extraordinary piece of skilled Chinese craftsmanship. • This skirt provides an insight into fashion history, Chinese craftsmanship and the use of flowers in textiles. Protecting and cherishing this piece of cultural heritage will give you an insight into the history of our world. • This is not just a piece of art, it is clothing – an intimate thing. A real person wore and cherished this skirt. For them, it was an investment, and a statement. We’d love you to come and see it, to share the experience of wondering about that person’s life and reflecting on the similarities and differences with your own. • If we don’t conserve this skirt and display it, we’ll lose the privilege of seeing something so beautiful. • It is an item that educates and inspires. • The restoration of this skirt will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Steps to get it done:

• Restorer to clean, stabilise and repair.
• Restorer to mount and install in exhibition space.
• Project due to start in June/July depending on when target reached, and be made ready for display as soon as possible.

The Atkinson was opened in 1878 with the kind generosity of William Atkinson. It is situated in the north west coastal town of Southport, Merseyside, and has over half a million visitors a year. We exist to help raise money so that The Atkinson can continue to educate, inspire and entertain the local community and the wider general public.