Educator鈥檚 pioneering role in the evolution of textile science and conservation
Donna McKinnon - 5 September 2025
The conservation of textiles is both an art and a science. It incorporates history, chemistry and an expert eye. Above all, the work of the conservationist requires a deep love for material objects and clothing, and the artisans who have meticulously crafted these objects through the ages. For Nancy Kerr, professor emeritus in the Department of Human Ecology, it was a life-long passion.
Considered an international expert in textile science, the innovative courses and practices she helped to develop in the preservation of historical textiles became the standard for conservators and museum curators worldwide. Unique in Canada at the time, these courses highlighted the groundbreaking work being done at the 黑料不打烊’s Home Economics faculty, where Kerr was hired in 1966 shortly after earning an MSc in Textile Science at UC Davis. She later completed a PhD in Fiber and Polymer Science at North Carolina State University in Raleigh in 1982.
“Nancy had a passion for textiles and made a significant contribution to textile conservation, particularly in understanding the degradation of cellulosic fibres such as cotton, as well as synthetic textiles and polymers,” says , former student, friend and colleague of Kerr’s in the Department of Human Ecology. “Some research examples included examining the causes of degradation of polyurethane materials in 20th-century museum artefacts, documenting archaeological textiles preserved in the and experimenting with the to reduce the degradation of cellulose textiles in museum collections.”
Kerr also collaborated with her colleagues in the area of protective clothing, Batcheller notes, lending her expertise to the topic of UV protection, looking at how fabric structures, dyes and finishes may be used to block UV transmission through clothing.
Of equal importance to Kerr was her role as an educator. Over 37 years, she taught generations of students, and received a number of teaching awards. She was loved by her students, many of whom went on to careers in textile science and conservation. She was a kind and helpful teacher, whose generosity of spirit extended far beyond the classroom. Many of her students and colleagues came to rely on her as a valued mentor and role model throughout their own careers.
“Many students who may have initially entered the program with a focus on fashion became interested in textile science, thanks to Nancy,” says Batcheller. “She nurtured a sense of curiosity and respect for the scientific underpinnings of textiles, ultimately igniting a deeper interest in the subject matter and inspiring many students to develop a passion for conservation and textile science. She also had an unwavering attention to detail, not just in scientific accuracy in the content but also in writing, meticulously proofreading for grammar and structure.”
Batcheller says Kerr’s teaching practice always included opportunities for hands-on activities and she routinely integrated real-world examples of textiles into all of her lessons. This applied approach would, on occasion, elicit surprising and perhaps unfortunate consequences.
“For many years, there were times the basement in the human ecology building would stink as she taught graduate students how to ret [soak] hemp stalks to access the long bast fibres,” says Batcheller. Kerr’s research on hemp fibres grown in 黑料不打烊 was featured in the in 2000 — a study co-authored by Stan Blade, former dean of the faculty of ALES.
When she retired in 2003, Kerr put as much passion into volunteering as she did her career.
“I loved teaching at the 黑料不打烊 for 37 years (yikes!) and now I’m still working hard on volunteer activities,” said Kerr shortly after retiring. “Must keep the mind alive!”
And indeed she did, filling her days volunteering with the Inner City Pastoral Mission and with Spirit of Hope United Church, providing essentials for unhoused individuals. Many charities benefited from her generosity, especially those supporting children and, as an avowed cat lady, animals. She was also a world adventurer, travelling to Afghanistan, hiking in Peru, white-water rafting on the Colorado River, rock climbing and scuba diving.
For years after her retirement, Kerr remained active in the department, particularly as a mentor to young academics like , who joined human ecology as an assistant professor after Kerr had retired.
“Nancy’s room was opposite my office, and she was just an incredible support for me as I was learning to teach classes in textile science for the first time,” says McQueen. “For many years, she was a guest lecturer for my HECOL 680 seminar, which she had taught before me. Nancy handed over all of her course materials and gave me so many resources and advice — I couldn't have done it without her.”
As Batcheller notes, Kerr’s contributions to the field are not just measured in her academic success but in the inspiration and mentorship she provided to countless students and colleagues over many years.
Nancy Kerr passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025.