Need a Conservator?

The American Institute for Conservation of Historica and Artistic Works not only has a website where they have tips for protection of historic items, they have a Find a Conservator service.
http://www.conservation-us.org

If you have an antique textile or a very special stitched piece that has been damaged in some way, this is a place to start finding help.  It won't be cheap but treasures of our heart are worth the money to return them to good order.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 16, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Thinking Conservation

Most of us (me in particular) give little thought to conservation and preservation of our stitching.  But the damage dust, light and bugs can cause does make one stop and think!
https://hands-across-the-sea-samplers.com/caring-for-textiles/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 15,  2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Time Travel

Thanks to Anny, I discovered this Textile Conservation Studio video that digitally recreates a 400 year old tapestry.   The tapestry is one of a series of tapestries from Hardwick Hall, home of Bess of Hardwick who stitched with Mary, Queen of Scots when Mary was confined at Bess's home by order of Queen Elizabeth I.
http://nttextileconservationstudio.wordpress.com/2014/04/25/gideon-through-time/

It is amazing how things change over 400 years!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© May 9, Copyright 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Textile Conservation Resources

Needleprint mostly deals with samplers but the links they have published to museum guidelines for textile conservation may be of interest to anyone with needlework they want to repair, clean or put away safely for the next generation.
http://needleprint.blogspot.com/2013/07/textile-conservation-guidelines-and.html

The first article talks about storage, maintenance and display with many practical tips and illustrations.  It mostly talks about clothing but a lot of information is very useful for anyone with antique textiles under their roof.  I found the storage section especially interesting.

The second article lays out the guidelines for textile conservation in Britain and has much more reference and source information.  I found the information about conservation materials particularly interesting.  This starts on page 73.  Both documents were written for British museums so not all sources for information, supplies and advice are going to be practical for those in other countries.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.