In the 15-17th centuries tapestry manufacture was at its peak and was the definitive iconographic symbol of power, wealth and cultural style. However, in the subsequent centuries the condition of the tapestries has generally deteriorated due to poor handling and exhibition lighting conditions. The tapestries are composed of wool, silk and precious metal threads and all undergo physicochemical changes during ageing. In this study the wool component in particular is investigated using ToF-SIMS with a view to understanding the nature of the initial greasy wool, the effect of scouring and dyeing, and the nature of the ageing process. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.