Textile preservation refers to the processes by which textiles are cared for and maintained to be preserved from future damage. The field falls under the category of art conservation as well as library preservation, depending on the type of collection. In this case, the concept of textile preservation applies to a wide range of artifacts, including tapestries, carpets, quilts, clothing, flags and curtains, as well as objects which ‘’contain’’ textiles, such as upholstered furniture, dolls, and accessories such as fans, parasols, gloves and hats or bonnets. Many of these artifacts require specialized care, often by a professional conservator. The goal of this article is to provide a general overview of the textile preservation process, and to serve as a jumping-off point for further research into more specialized care. Always contact a professional conservator if you are unsure of how to proceed in the preservation process.
Collections
Historic textile collections can largely be divided into three categories: museums, historic societies/locations, and private collections. The needs of each of these locations will vary. A private collection, for instance, is less likely to have as high a traffic flow as a museum, and may thus be able to take preservation steps that a working museum cannot (such as keeping lights to a minimum for longer periods of time). The different venues may also have different problems that arise, such as the fact that many historic homes do not have climate control, and rely strongly on natural light to display their furnishings, both of which may contribute to textile decay.
Environment
The chief cause for decay in textiles is almost always the environment in which they are stored. Light, temperature, and humidity can all contribute to a textile’s health or deterioration, depending on their intensity. Additionally, pests, chemicals, and pollutants may also cause damage to an antique fabric. Airborne chemicals, such as smog or cigarette smoke are also harmful to the textiles, and should be avoided if at all possible: high-efficiency air filters should be installed throughout the building to reduce the presence of airborne chemicals that may stain, discolor, or weaken fabrics.
Light
Light can have a variety of effects on textiles over time. In some cases, it may contribute to fading or discoloration, but of more concern is the damage which the fibers may suffer under prolonged exposure to non-visible light, such as ultraviolet and infrared lighting. Ideally, textiles should be stored or displayed in as little light as possible, and preferably in total darkness . However, as this is impractical for display and care of the piece, knowing the limits of lighting as well as the safest amounts of lighting, become important.
Natural light is the most common source of ultraviolet light, and as such, care should be taken to avoid exposure to direct sunlight at all costs, and indirect sunlight whenever possible. This may mean storing or displaying textiles in an area without windows, or with blackout curtains, which can be pulled whenever the room is not in use. If a room relies on natural light, UV screens or coatings can be applied to the windows to block harmful rays while still allowing light to pass through. These filters should be checked periodically, however, as they have a limited lifespan and may need to be replaced every few years .
Fluorescent and halogen-produced light can also produce large amounts of UV radiation, though filters which fit over the bulbs are available to limit the damaging light . These filters will need to be replaced when the bulbs are changed, so maintenance staff should be aware of them and their use.
One advantage of fluorescent lights is that they produce little heat, which may also be harmful to textiles. Incandescent lights produce a large amount of heat in addition to large quantities of infrared radiation, which is likewise damaging to the fibers in antique textiles. If incandescent lights must be used, they should be placed far enough away from display cases that their heat does not affect the contents .
In the case of particularly delicate textiles, display organizers might consider motion-activated or timed lighting, or lighting controlled though a visitor-activated switch, which would allow the textiles to remain in darkness when they are not under view . All textiles should be displayed on a rotating schedule, allowing them a few months of display, then the rest of the year in dark storage, to prolong their life.
Climate
Heat and humidity can both contribute and a textile’s deterioration. However, excessive dryness may also cause damage, especially to elastic fibers, such as wool, which rely on some amount of moisture to maintain their flexibility (Putnam and Finch). Additionally, temperature and humidity should be kept as constant as possible; changes in either of these may cause the textile fibers to expand and contract, which, over time, can also cause damage and deterioration to the textile. For this reason, both storage and display areas should be fitted with monitoring equipment to gauge the temperature and humidity of rooms, display cases, enclosed storage facilities, and work areas.
Ideally, temperature should be kept around 70 degrees Fahrenheit , though some slight fluctuation in either direction is permissible, as long as it occurs gradually . For instance, temperature may be slightly lower in winter to save energy costs, but the change should be affected slowly, so as not to place the fibers under undue stress.
As for humidity, the preservationist or conservator should aim for a relative humidity of 50%, though, as with temperature, some small fluctuation is allowable, as long as it occurs gradually (Mailand). In enclosed display or storage cases, humidity can be somewhat maintained through the use of silica gel crystals. These crystals should not be placed in contact with the textiles, but may be placed in breathable muslin bags and hung inside the case to maintain a constant humidity ; they should be monitored periodically, however, to be sure that they are working.
In areas where climate control is unavailable (such as in historic buildings), the conservator can still moderate the temperature and relative humidity through use of fans, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, and portable heating or cooling units .
In addition to temperature and humidity, air flow is also a concern for textile preservation. Textiles should never be sealed in plastic or other air-tight casing unless it is part of a treatment or cleaning process. Proper circulation, combined with the suggested humidity, will help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which may stain or weaken antique textiles .
Pests
Pests are another significant threat to textile collections, as there are a number of creatures which can cause damage to fibres. Among the most common are clothes moths, carpet beetles, silverfish, firebrats and rodents.
Clothes moths are attracted to protein fibres, and so are especially drawn to silk, wool, and feathers. An infestation might be identified through the evidence of white cocoons (or the remnants thereof) on the textiles, or of sighting the insects themselves. They are roughly 8 centimetres long and white in colour .
Like clothes moths, carpet beetles are likewise drawn to proteins, and can be quite destructive. Evidence of an infestation may take of the form of chewed holes, carcasses, or larvae, which appear as small pale worm-like insects .
Silverfish and firebrats are related insects which consume starch, usually found in sizing or other treatments applied to fabrics, as well as plant-based textiles such as linen and cotton. Both are attracted to dark, moist climates, though silverfish prefer cooler temperatures, while firebrats tend towards warmer. Both are about 12 millimetres in length and either light or dark in colouring, depending on which type is present .
Rodent infestations can be identified in the usual ways, such as seeing droppings, nests, or comparatively large chewed areas of textile where they have caused damage.
In all cases, chemical means of pest control should be avoided if possible, not only due to harm to humans who come in contact with them, but because the chemicals may cause damage to the very textiles the conservator is trying to save. For rodents, snap traps may be effective, and if needed, a professional exterminator should be called. Poison bated traps should be avoided, as the rodent could die somewhere inaccessible, and provide a breeding ground for further pests . Also, in the case of a rodent infestation, all access points to the room (such as cracks or holes) through which they might be entering should be located and sealed if possible .
For insects, keeping clean storage, display, and work environment is the best method of prevention. Also, sticky traps (replaced often) around doors, windows, and display cases may be useful for monitoring the insect population. Furthermore, the population of carnivorous insects, such as spiders, should be obse
Collector Display Cases: Wood & Glass Display Cases For Collectibles ...
Wood, glass, and acrylic display cases for collectibles, dolls, diecast cars, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, guitars,musical instruments, antique toys, jewelry, and more at Collectics ...
Jewelry Making Supplies, Beads and Beading. Glass Beads, Wholesale ...
Display Kits; Carrying Cases; Necklace Busts; Bracelet Ramps ... we've been stocking, we just recently added Antique ... are sure to add dimension and style to your jewelry
Antique Dealers Supply - Supplier to Antique Dealers and Collectors ...
Black heavy chipboard cases with glass tops are filled with jewelry cotton for superb display space. ... Proud to serve our antique dealer and collectors supply ...
CLEAR VIEW DESIGNS | Custom glass display cases for museums, antique ...
Custom display cases for museums, antique stores modeleres ... Collectors of antiques, family heirlooms, jewelry, and sports memorabilia will love our custom made display cases.
Jewelry Display Cases
Should your jewelry be antique in appearance, a wood display case is the appropriate choice. Contemporary jewelry looks best displayed against a setting of glass, acrylic or even ...
eBay - Jewelry Boxes, Cases Display, Jewelry Watches, Jewelry Boxes ...
Home >Buy >Reviews & Guides >Jewelry & Watches >Jewelry Boxes, Cases & Display ... ANTIQUE JEWELRY BOXES CASKETS; by hannahjvw ( 450) Antique Jewelry Boxes, Caskets ...
Antique Style Jewelry Armoires, Cabinets
Display Cases (134) Home Entertainment (180) Kitchen (4) Laundry & Utility Room (11) ... Antique Look Jewelry Armoire. Finding just the right spot to place your treasured trinkets can ...
jewelry display cases
For instance, if you are in the antique jewelry business and you want to feature your vintage necklaces and centuries-old rings then a wooden display case may be the right choice ...
Display Case Store - Specialty Display Cases - AllDisplayCase.Com
Browse our comprehensive Display Case Directory : ... Antique Display Cases Bakery Display Cases Baseball Display Cases ... Cases Jewelry Portable Wholesale Case Doll Box Flag Box
Jewelry Watches Jewelry Boxes Cases Display
Antique-Germany Sterling Silver & Crystal Casket Box USD 1,499.99 2 Fabulous Glass Jewelry Showcase Display Retail Case USD 675.00 2.00CT VVS1 Emerald Cut Diamond ...