ASMR at the museum | Conserving a Eurovision dress | V&A

// Listen with headphones for best experience //
Follow Senior Textile Conservator Susana Fajardo as she works on the dress worn by Sandie Shaw for her performance of ‘Puppet on a String’ at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1967.
Sound designer and performance-maker Julie Rose Bower has documented Susana’s steps using ambisonic sound, letting us get closer to the object than ever before.
Watch as the garment is meticulously inspected, and loose beads are secured onto the embellished underdress.
Conservation process:
Inspecting the dress: 01:20
Identifying loose beads: 02:02
Securing loose beads: 02:34
Using insect pins: 04:23
Securing of beads (no talking): 06:58 - 10:13
Photograph of Sandie Shaw wearing the dress at the Eurovision Song Contest, 1967: 10:31
See the dress in Explore the Collections: collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1...
Find out more in our Theatre and Performance collection: www.vam.ac.uk/collections/the...

[@ferrocious_be]

"the thread has been stressed" me too thread, me too

[@alfaaby]

🤣

[@karenramnath9993]

“It’s obviously been put under a lot of tension”

[@karenramnath9993]

“We must be very careful as we do not want it to snap!”

[@anysiaaguilar6689]

You guys are too funny I love y’all ❤

[@AzzaYCF]

😂

[@D4NC3Rable]

Whoever's idea it was to put this lady in front of an ASMR mic - you have my gratitude!! This is wonderful.

[@Momofukudoodoowindu]

I fell asleep to this video 💤 its so relaxing

[@TheOriginalLexa]

Agreed! I was thinking how very lovely her voice is, but also how incredibly patient and precise her movements are!

[@5mnz7fg]

Indeed! I could watch and listen for hours.

[@j.t.6461]

She definitely has the best ASMR voice of anyone at the museum that I’ve heard, so far.

[@daniellewinterholler3058]

I wish they would more and for longer lol

[@adriennebarton848]

One of my fantasies is to be one of the quiet, meticulous experts that have just found their niche in the world. I just feel like they're all so content.

[@vell2994]

Same

[@fireflyschapstick]

god i love this comment

[@Rebe8d89AH]

Yes! Me too!

[@anysiaaguilar6689]

Same maybe it comes naturally when we get older?

[@hannahfarren9965]

Never has anybody articulated anything so well- thankyou.

[@KJC143]

Some intern who knows what ASMR is, was with this lady and like nodding off during a tutorial and was like "wait we may have something, here" *struggling to stay awake*

[@Djilana]

Lol, I am 100% imagining this is what happened. Thank you, sleepy intern, thank you.

[@schuylerdade]

I can't tell if this is how people work at the museum, or if the video team went around figuring out who had the best voice and procedure for ASMR

[@vamuseum]

This is how conservators work 😁It just so happens that Susana here has an ideal voice!

[@blammela]

I chose to believe this is real!!!!

[@TuberoseKisser]

It makes sense that they would be naturally quiet, sudden noises can distract a person.

[@Apollonia222]

​@@vamuseum PLEASE can you tell me what kind of thread is used?

[@elphbwckd212]

Having spent some time in a museum conservation room I can assure you that this is exactly how it is. The focus and attention to the tiniest detail which is often incredibly fragile requires total singular attention. It is always very quiet as everyone is so focused on their own work and not destroying a (sometimes) priceless piece of art.

[@cordialman1188]

It took me 8 minutes into the video to realise that all those other beads were probably sown in by hand...and I nearly had a meltdown just thinking about it....so yeah...

[@KaloCheyna]

Tambour beading can be done relatively quickly.

[@zabdiel1558]

@@KaloCheyna Sure, but with such precision and seamlessness?

[@blammela]

@@KaloCheyna relatively being the word. Still a hell of a lot of beading hours on this thing!!

[@kajsablomberg]

Same!!

[@gabrielaribeiro6155]

@@blammela , more than hours, days if not weeks

[@lunahymnpala3081]

I want to thank whatever weirdness in the KZbin algorithm led me to this masterpiece-

[@thethingcalledlisa]

Sometimes the algorithm is great

[@fighterflight]

I watch historical fashion vloggers. I watch ASMR. KZbin algorithm is simple.

[@lunahymnpala3081]

@@fighterflight *But, I don’t watch historical fashion vloggers, which is the problem. I have another weirdly specific interest that needs filled.*

[@keeshac.7509]

I'm glad you came to visit this community! You should stay :))

[@lunahymnpala3081]

@@keeshac.7509 well I definitely can’t leave-

[@TheSilverLioness]

I actually searched the Eurovision contest where this dress was featured, is in black and white, so, this video actually was able to show me the beauty of the dress completely ❤

[@kaitlinbilous4605]

It was the last one in b&w

[@fighterflight]

Curious, you searched Eurovision first then came here? Or vice versa?

[@kaitlinbilous4605]

@@fighterflight just popped up in my recommendations

[@pieinside2345]

i was just thinking about that very same thing. at no point did i ever think that her dress would have been pink. i don't know, just knowing that now puts a smile on my face and makes me want to watch her performance again 😃

[@TheSilverLioness]

@@fighterflight vice versa! I found the V&A videos and started to binge them, then i found the ASMR series and when i got to this video, I got curious of Eurovision, because I wasn´t aware it has been going on for so many years, it was quite facinating to see that part of history.

[@CathySenpai]

Seeing the dress being treated gently makes me feel like I'm being treated gently.

[@OceanAdrift]

Ms. Fajardo has the perfect voice for telling bedtime stories 🌙

[@gizzy2324]

Agreed

[@pamelatitterington2453]

I agree totally

[@teliaaustin4938]

I totally agree

[@Chrisbilly253]

Yes, super relaxing voice 😴

[@Asuka_Sora]

I would love to see 30~ minutes long videos of her just working to fall sleep... The sounds are so nice.... And as an archivist I can really appreciate the work of a conservationist, so the facts and information are great 👌🏻

[@craftyasmr3227]

Hey, hope you don't mind. Im trying to become an archivist. How would i go about that?

[@fighterflight]

@@craftyasmr3227 study. get a degree.

[@user-yg6wj3hd3s]

There is a playlist with 4 different asmr videos from this channel

[@Asuka_Sora]

@@craftyasmr3227 I don't mind 🤗, at least in my country only one university has the degree, is 4 year's long for bachelor degree. I live in Costa Rica.

[@Asuka_Sora]

@@user-yg6wj3hd3s Yes, but all of they are too short, that's why I make the comment. I'd like to see longer videos, I didn't say "more videos".

[@sarahbeck16]

And to think that they could’ve called this “V & A - SMR”

[@jbaby362]

Galaxy-brained thinking right there

[@leisolcakes]

I fell asleep so quickly after a few months of insomnia. A huge thanks to the creators and the lady.

[@myon9431]

I'm happy for you, hope you can sleep better regularly soon!

[@raeslighter]

Edna Mode's gentle and sweet sister meets ASMR? How did we get so lucky?

[@juplu]

Wondering how much the dress weighs with all those glass beads..? It seems pretty heavy.

[@naomig4336]

normally dresses and any clothing with lots of stuff like beads or pearls and such distribute the weight pretty evenly, so it would feel heavy on a hanger, but when you where it it’s not really noticable

[@kathryncarter6143]

@@naomig4336 oh yes it can be felt. It may have an even weight distribution; but you can feel that heavy material especially if it's on a small frame like some of those women head.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Remembering Tina Turner in her 40 pound metal dress, in "Mad Max"... decades ago.

[@RoyalBlue4486]

The entire bodice of my wedding dress was covered in glass beads. It was heavy.

[@kaitlinbilous4605]

Salomé's dress was over 14 kgs in comparison (co champ 1969)

[@EternalNyappy]

I thought the clown costume was already right up my alley, but I had no idea there would be more specific cathegory for me: glitter + Eurovision + handcrafts + history + asmr

[@s.o.3753]

Whoever has the idea to combine museum videos with ASMR is an absolute legend

[@brentonjoseph]

Please continue making ASMR. Not only is the quality high, the subject is incredibly satisfying 😍

[@rubberduckyofsteel]

this is the kind of job that would fill my clumsy hands with rage

[@justkelly2]

I appreciate the work that went into not only teaching us something about conservation, but you all really put in the effort to make a great asmr video, from the mics to the close-up camera, and succeeded! I just wish it was longer :)

[@bethfavors6714]

Yes they need to put it on loopzzzz

[@katharinajohnson2761]

This is wonderfully interesting. Susana Fajardo handles the dress and materials with such grace, perhaps with more finesse than a surgeon!

[@yourfatherhasarrived8748]

Imagine how steady of a hand you would need for this. Me and my arthritis could never

[@thosole5347]

imagine 100 years later they will do this with things we wear nowadays

[@angelamonfer]

I imagine a person sewing a pair of ripped jeans thinking that it is a flaw

[@rogue72able]

@@angelamonfer lol 😆

[@stqrsz]

"So here we have a pair of worn doc marten platforms, these were worm by a distressed punk/emo teen in the 2020's"

[@aponc20]

well i feel like only durable sourced pieces will be preserved, since most of what people wear these days is fast fashion

[@CaseyCorigliano]

@@angelamonfer no it is

[@AnaisIsAce]

Not only is she amazing at her craft, but her voice is the most soothing thing in the universe. Going to come back here whenever life feels too overwhelming. I love everything about this video, thank you so much

[@janak6534]

Saw this video at the ASMR exhibition in the London Design Museum today and instantly had to return to it once I got home. This is ASMR perfection.

[@vamuseum]

We're glad you enjoyed it. Make sure you're subscribed - there's more to come!

[@marys8626]

As a kid I couldn't explain exactly why I loved watching documentaries about anything and everything. All I knew is that the voices of some of the guests would make me feel so relaxed and sleepy and warm and sometimes send a weird shiver down the back of my neck. This is exactly the content I used to love as a younger person. Unintentional and informative. Brilliant ASMR

[@minteaskullz]

This is like Bob Ross but with historical artifacts

[@Ed-Topo-108]

It’s good that Sandie performed bare footed. Saved you some extra work there! 💎

[@walkingthetightrope6637]

I can't get enough of her voice!! And all the sounds are so unique. I love how the camera focuses on the hands and the very small details. It's also really interesting to see her work

[@OwlaboveCitylights]

Such a great way to engage us in the conservation work

[@Moon_Child_Mari]

What I admire most about this entire process is that we as the audience wouldn’t pay much attention or even be able to see little imperfections such as these on the pieces put up for display, and yet to think there are many conservators out there, working hard to make them look beautiful again, out of love for the piece itself but also for the enjoyment of the audience. It is honestly really touching to me and makes me respect these artists so much more, for what it takes to make beautiful clothes like this, and also the effort to restore and care for them over the years. 💖

[@turftracer9522]

This is some Award winning ASMR... If there is such a thing...? The imagery and the audio are sensational... Much appreciated

[@Grace-mb8tb]

What is this ✨magic ✨I have come across?

[@Loracanne]

ASMR 😉

[@kcleo-]

this is some of the best asmr ive ever heard omg

[@champagnexoxo1198]

Thank you! Really, this is how asmr should be made.

[@daniellewinterholler2373]

Can you guys PLEEEASSEEE do more videos with this beautiful woman. Her voice is SOOO heavenly

[@seijiamasawa3346]

You have to keep this series going. I can no longer sleep without it.

[@jillipepper5353]

Wow, the patience to do such delicate work. 👍🏻

[@Nikita_M_]

Idk how I came across this but I am so thankful. No words.

[@kMac862]

Conservation may be the perfect ASMR activity. Delicate, slow, deliberate movements, meticulous, quiet, crinkly. I love it. More, please!

[@lisbethbredgaard7835]

We could not see how beatiful this dress was when we saw the contest. ❤️❤️❤️

[@pegkilday4100]

I never realised what a beautiful colour her dress was. We only had black and white tvs then. I can remember watching it. Puppet on a string was the song!

[@mfollett3613]

Wow! To see Sandie Shaw's "Puppet on a String" dress in such close detail is a rare treat. She scandalised many older people watching Eurovision because she wore a very short mini dress (the fashion of 1967), but she also had bare feet. OUTRAGIOUS. Things have changed so much in the last 55 years ❤️ This is a wonderful video, so relaxing. Thanks to the conservator and her team.

[@casperrabbit7254]

I've stared at that dress so many times and I never noticed the underskirt was three different colours 😂

[@Valkyriegrl]

Ms. Fajardo is so talented and knowledgeable!! Thank you for showing us your process

[@elirien4264]

This video is my go-to when I need to slow down. ❤

[@Rubiecat]

oh this is EXACTLY the type of content I want, bless whoever came up with the idea

[@pillboys]

gotta say? that dress is absolutely incredible and im glad its been preserved with such love and care.

[@danielacasald]

It’s always amazed me how there’s people that are this gentle

[@melsmith110]

It's fascinating to see something beautiful restored!

[@steffyelliott5525]

I dont care who you are everyone can agree these moments, noises and overall aura is so relaxing and comforting.💗

[@princesslisamarie7860]

These are so good they just need to be longer

[@bettinarossi7908]

This is a meditation..like monks who will spend hours sweeping the stone floors,completely present in the moment(s) of the activity..this is what Eckhart Tolle is referring to when he explains "being in the now"..this is what makes the viewing of this segment,so satisfying. 🙏💖

[@mihaelasekulovski5689]

Eurovision and ASMR, my two favourite things💕

[@abimon76]

susana: I'm going to try to put them back in position, tuck the original thread and anchor it down. me, half asleep, knowing nothing about embroidery: sounds good!!

[@maureencullen1008]

Fascinating.Such careful craftmanship.

[@mar2982]

this is the best one yet! the audio and the voice are just perfect and the visuals are also marvelous

[@laurens4909]

i think this is the best ASMR video i’ve ever seen and this is coming from somebody who has been watching them for like 12 years

[@Lizzie-ve7kt]

Well now I’ve got to subscribe lol. This is the BEST idea! I love the information, the close-up visuals and of course her amazing voice! She’s totally got a second career in voiceover narration if she wants it.

[@portiakeenan6941]

This woman KNOWS what’s needed for a good asmr video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Sarahswims82]

We want more like this this lady is made for ASMR !!! The Material, the pins, the sewing, her voice it’s all just spectacular

[@danielgatchell871]

Probably the best museum asmr

[@alisoncleeton877]

Please make more of these!!!!

[@SVIIVII]

More ASMR videos of Ms. Fajardo PLEASE! Her voice and her soft, gentle movements are perfection!

[@kassiasilva9896]

So much care and attention. She's so good at her job, amazing!

[@bogey]

not only is this a beautiful subject but the camerawork is astonishing. this team really went above and beyond. i love it :)

[@E-Kat]

No background music, thank you V&A !

[@deedee7692]

Her voice is amazing

[@peachradvan5807]

This one got me so good I watched it 3 times and fell asleep before I could even like or comment

[@hundhundkatt]

Her voice is insanely relaxing and the soft shuffling sounds are so lovely✨💕

[@claraB1016]

The beading on this dress is breathtaking. Its almost a shame that it is covered by a layer of tulle.

[@lemonasmr6795]

She really is the best. Please more asmr videos with susana!

[@giualonso]

the shimmer of the fabric and the superzoom are SO satisfying! this is perfect

[@finecallmejane]

The focus and kindness and care Susana radiates during these...So wonderful.

[@maja3322]

This series is absolute gold!

[@anduxx]

I’m living for this! Finally I was getting tired for only watch 3 videos. Thank you V&A team for creating this. Any chance for more? 🙈❤️

[@brandi8510]

5.5 million or so views on the ASMR At the Museum playlist right now. 1.1 million are just this video. You never know what’s going to be successful, but it’s so interesting to see what catches.

[@zeo933]

As an asmr fan and also a fashion fan I owe my life to whoever put them together!

[@nanarts]

The dress is gorgeous, if you google it you'll agree with me. Also this ladie's voice and the sounds are absolutelly melting

[@maestro_oz]

That poor thread. It was pulled, stretched and stressed.

[@jbaby362]

And twisted as well! Had a real rough go

[@h9ooo]

kekw

[@solarastone3526]

She's a NATURAL. Some of the best ASMR I've heard and I'm a connoisseur at this point.

[@rotaman8555]

More of Susana, please! Great voice, especially when she whispers. I have no interest in dresses, but I found this video fascinating and enjoyed Susana’s narration.

[@planetmario]

BEAUTIFUL. mrs fajardo has the most gorgeous voice.. what a nice video

[@aumeilya]

Susana is my favourite in these videos. The way she speaks is sooooo soothing

[@sarina76667]

Every time someone in my family gets whiny that I need to be back in theater this is the sort of stuff that comes into my head. “Do you have any idea what kind of time and energy goes into a production? Do you want my house to be clean and my full time job in tact and everyone’s kid’s birthday party attended, or do you want me on stage because ya can’t have both!”

[@luizcr]

She’s incredible, her soothing voice matches the delicacy of her hands, I could never do something like this, it’s mesmerizing ❤️

[@whateversup]

This is perfection. It’s so relaxing and interesting to see this inside view on conservator work!

[@sarahkhan6368]

Her attention to detail is amazing 🤩

[@Sarahswims82]

The best asmr video EVER! Whoever decided to put this lady's SOOTHING voice over this video with the rustling of the beads and dress is just a bloody genius .absolutely iconic .Please do more wake videos with is lady 💖🙏

[@Emma-nb5vo]

Please do more of these. This was lovely!

[@thecactusinthevalley4657]

her voice is like a hug

[@anczis]

My thoughts exactly.

[@sillystephys7123]

Even the damn beads relaxed for her in the beginning. This is 🤤 so relaxing

[@shylockwesker5530]

OMG this is pure gold

[@Giri93067]

I have no idea what ms Fajardo is doing, but I love it

[@uniqueLeo08]

Oh so this in fact is a regular thing? This makes me happy.

[@shayekisitu]

This lady is an amazing costume conservator. She is so very gentle and meticulous in her craft. This is quite literal microscopic needlework. I appreciate her fine attention to detail and gentle hand movements. Wonderfully soothing.👌🏻💜 This may not be the most glamor job in the world but this dear lady is enjoying herself to the fullest.

[@francealance]

I need more of this 😭 her voice is so soft & gentle.

[@LauPulstar]

mrs fajardo's voice is v&a museum's biggest treasure at this point

[@emiliecarignan4779]

This is the best ASMR video I've seen. She is so patient and delicate with the fabric, her voice is calm, the close up camera work. It's amazing to have such high quality content about an interesting subject. I would love to see more of this. Amazing work!

[@katherandefy]

OK, so this is literally brilliant!