Caring for Historic Textiles
A document setting out basic advice for looking after all types of
precious historic textiles.
Textiles are treasured and prized for many reasons.
Families often have heirlooms such as christening robes and wedding veils
which they want to keep safe for use by future generations. Historic textiles
such as samplers and lace make popular collectors items and may have great
intrinsic value. With foreign travel, textile items from around the world
are increasingly prized as evidence of past cultural diversity. Historic
textiles of all kinds may be valued simply because they enhance the home
and provide pleasure and interest.
Textiles need special care if they are to be preserved
for the future.
Keeping your textiles safe
The best way to keep historic textiles safe is to ensure
that they are stored well when not in use.
Light, dirt, damp and pests
will all cause damage. Acids, which are present on our hands and
skin, in materials like cardboard and wood, and in atmospheric pollution,
are also harmful.
Storing your textiles
The best place to store historic textiles is:
- in the dark;
- somewhere neither damp nor very dry (cellars and attics are not a
good idea);
- in a dust-proof container e.g. a box with lid, dust bag or wrapped
in a dust sheet.
Packing your textiles away
For all textiles:
Make sure that only the best materials are used: unbleached, washed pure
cotton for dust wraps and acid-free tissue paper for packing. Acid-free
tissue is available from conservation suppliers and good stationers. Use
acid-free boxes and tubes if available.
For garments: Costumes in bags need plenty of space, and should
be padded with acid-free tissue to avoid crushing folds. Garments in very
good condition can be hung on padded-to-shape hangers. Do not hang knitted,
heavily beaded or bias-cut garments.
For flat textiles: Small items should be kept flat, each on its
own piece of acid-free tissue paper. Larger pieces should be rolled, right
side outside, onto tubes covered with several layers of acid-free tissue
paper. Folding should be avoided, especially for silk.
Using your historic textiles
Textiles are more likely to get damaged while being
used than at any other time. Just handling a textile causes deterioration
and risks damage.
If preservation is important, do not risk using or changing use of
a textile without first consulting a Textile Conservator. Here are
some basic guidelines for safe use:
For garments:
Heirlooms like christening robes and wedding veils may need conservation
treatment before wearing, to reduce the risk of damage. They must be clean
before being put away. It is not advisable to wear historic costume as
fancy dress.
For embroidered pictures and samplers:
Frames must be sealed to keep them dust-proof and pest-proof, and should
have moisture barriers at the back. Glass should not rest on textile surfaces.
To hang, choose places out of strong light, especially sunlight, and away
from radiators and external walls.
For carpets and rugs:
Worn specimens damage rapidly if used on the floor, and should be shown
as hangings. Choose floor sites which minimise the amount a rug or carpet
is walked on and exposed to light, and turn it round regularly. Never
put precious rugs in entrance halls to suffer the trampling of wet and
dirty outdoor shoes.
For hangings:
Hang textiles from poles in sewn-on sleeves; or use sewing quality hook-and-loop
fastener. Never use pins, hooks or curtain rings.
Checking your textiles
For pests:
Check for signs of pest damage (moth and 'woolly bear'), especially on
woollen textiles. Keep a look out for flying pest insects, especially
in early summer.
For fading:
Colour differences between front and back indicate that light has damaged
a textile. Light damage to dyes and fibres is irreparable.
For mould:
Inspect for mould if conditions have been damp or temperature variable.
For accumulation of dirt:
Check surfaces are not gathering dust. Surface dirt becomes ingrained
and irremovable over time. If damage has occurred, try to identify the
source and contact a Textile Conservator for advice on what action to
take.
Avoiding accidental damage
Textiles are especially at risk when being handled or
moved. Always try to:
- plan the task and weigh up the risks beforehand;
- have ready everything you need to do the job;
- have a clean, tidy workspace;
- support textiles when lifting; roll large pieces on tubes to carry
them; lift small ones on boards or sheets of paper;
- wear cotton gloves or disposable vinyl household gloves whenever possible
when handling;
- take off jewellery which may scratch or catch.
How to get help and advice
For specific advice on caring for your historic textiles
you should always contact a Textile Conservator. A Textile Conservator
can also advise you on appropriate treatment for damaged textiles and
on where to get conservation quality materials such as acid-free tissue
paper. It is likely that there is a professional Textile Conservator working
in your region.
For details of Textile Conservators contact:
for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
UKIC
109 The Chandlery
50 Westminster Bridge Road
LONDON SE1 7QY
Tel: 0207 721 8246
(a small fee is charged for consulting The Conservation Register)
for Scotland
Scottish Conservation Bureau
Longmore House
Salisbury Place
EDINBURGH EH9 1SH
Tel: 0131 668 8668
If your local museum has a conservation department it
should be able to provide information on local suppliers of conservation
materials and services.
©UKIC Textile Section 1997
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