Visit to a conservation studio – June 2008
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It is very exciting to be allowed to see what goes on in conservation studios. A small group of heritage volunteers went on a visit to a studio where 5 conservators work. The studio specialises in textile and costume conservation, as well as offering advice on measures to prevent further damage. In the studio they were working on several projects. We saw some George II and III chairs that needed netting to prevent further damage to the fabric. The net had to be dyed to a colour that was hardly visible over the patterned fabric. There was also a late 17th Century tapestry made of wool and silk. In places the weft threads, especially of the silk, were so degraded that it was very hard to see what had been depicted. Careful research allowed the conservators to rework the badly damaged silk areas using stranded cottons so the conservation work may be recognised if one looks closely but if you are just looking in a non-professional way the definition of the picture has been re-established. The group also saw some theatrical Diaghilev Ballet Russe costumes that are to be displayed before being sold. They had severe water damage that had caused the original paints and dyes to run as well as damage caused by the wear and tear of working costumes. The hardest part for the conservators seemed to be to establish what was original, deliberate colouring to some of the fabrics and what was not. As there are detailed designs for some of the costumes, the studio will also be able to replace some of the unsightly later alterations with more sympathetic overlays copying the original designs. There is such a great deal of detailed planning and painstaking work that ensures that these wonderful textiles last a lot longer for everyone to enjoy. If you ever get the chance on a study day to make a similar visit grab it with both hands. |
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