Fine Art Conservation> Treatments > Textiles

Treatments > Textiles

Textile art and artifacts encompass a wide and varied spectrum of materials and techniques. From very personal artifacts, such as samplers, christening garb and quilts, to public regalia, such as regimental banners, wall hangings and rugs, textiles bridge the gulf between craft and art. Originally utilitarian in function, many historic textiles require stabilization before they can be safely displayed or handled.

Here are some examples of my work. Click on an image to see details of the treatment and before and after photographs.

Needlepoint 20th century

Needlepoint, early 20th century

Media: Silk embroidery on openwork cotton ground fabric

Condition: Very weak textile, with tears caused by broken support strainer.

Custom dress form

Dress form made for dress worn by Lucille Ball.

Media: Archival quality materials were used to make this customized form.

Japanese Calligraphy, 1939

Media: black sumi ink on silk

Condition: The silk is discolored, stained and weakened

Family crest

Family crest, ca. 1860’s

Media: Silk satin fabric, edged with silk cord, stitched to plain weave wool ground fabric.

Condition: This textile has undergone several previous restorations. Worn, dirty, & water stained, with shattering silk

Sampler

Sampler, Betty Oliver, 1759

Media: Plain weave linen ground fabric with silk embroidery.

Condition: Overall dirt & discoloration, with waterstains on the bottom third. Faded colors.

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