Textiles Conservation
MACC’s textile conservator is experienced identifying and treating wide range of textile-based materials including tapestries, rugs, flags, quilts, coverlets, samplers, curtains, and lace. Works as diverse as archaeological fragments, modern and contemporary art objects, upholstery, ecclesiastical textiles, textile basketry, fans, dolls and costumes are all provided expert treatment. In addition to performing in-laboratory conservation treatments, the conservator also conducts object-by-object condition surveys of museum collections.
Textiles are rarely flat and seldom made of one basic material or component. They may be constructed of natural fibers, such as wool, silk, cotton, linen, hemp, or man-made fibers including nylon, polyester, acetate, and plastic. Manufacturing techniques also widely vary: woven, knitted, plaited, pieced, or felted. The surface may be embellished with thread, glass or metal beads, feathers, buttons, zippers, fringe, rings, or paint.Conservation treatments can include mending, lining, wet or dry cleaning techniques, stabilization, loss compensation, and mounting for display.
