Dedicated to the memory of Karen Finch, visionary leader in textile conservation and research.

Fibres are the primary material of textiles and define the qualities of the textiles they create. Originating from plants and animals, they have been used across the globe from very early times. In archaeological and historical contexts they occur in the form of textiles and yarns and as processed or unprocessed raw materials. Visual representations throw light on the sourcing and extraction of fibres, on yarn preparation and the importance of these activities in social life. Documents and texts record the value of fibres and their part in the wider economy.

The conference aims to bring together experienced and early-career researchers to discuss fresh results and recent developments in the study of fibres. We especially invite papers on the following themes:

• ·new results which contribute to the chronology fibre use at a local or global level
• ·developments in the identification and analysis of early textile fibres
• ·fibre procurement and use within specific historical or archaeological contexts
• ·the qualities of fibres and their contribution to finished textiles

The timeframe is prehistory to AD 1600; the geography is worldwide.