Textile Conservation Services
Paulette Reading Textile Conservation LLC offers comprehensive care of textiles. Services include all aspects of conservation treatment including repair, cleaning, storage, mounting, and documentation. Additional services include: condition surveys, workshops/lectures about the care and handling of textiles, and exhibit preparation.
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Types of textiles include (but are not limited to):
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Flags and banners
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Military uniforms
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Historic garments
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Quilts and coverlets
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Samplers and embroideries
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Contemporary textiles and fiber arts
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Collections Care
Pest Management
Insects present one of the biggest challenges when caring for textile collections. An infestation can destroy an object if a problem goes unchecked. Most of us have some experience with the damages caused by clothes moths, carpet beetles, and other insects. Paulette Reading Textile Conservation can help address an infestation using non-toxic methods, as well as help devise an integrated pest management (IPM) plan to prevent future attack.
Lighting and Display
Light exposure causes fading and degradation of textile fibers. Museum guidelines suggest displaying textiles under very low light conditions and to rotate items off display to minimize damage from light exposure. Many smaller museums and private collectors struggle to follow these recommendations, as they wish to display their treasured heirlooms or important collection items long-term, particularly after investing in its conservation. We help our clients find practical solutions to preserve their textiles, while working within the goals and resources available to private collectors and institutions of all sizes and budgets.
Health and Safety
While we now recommend safer measures to address insect infestations, such as implementing an integrated pest management program or IPM, it is not surprising that textiles have a long history of toxic pesticide treatments. Application of pesticides was the recommended practice for controlling infestations in both institutional and private collections from the late 19th and well into the 20th century. Early pesticides included, but were not limited to, heavy metal elements such as arsenic and mercury. Later pesticides included organic compounds such as DDT, and of course, moth balls. In addition to toxic pesticides, historic textiles were often manufactured with toxic materials. Examples include arsenic, lead, or chromium containing dyes and mordants, or mercury felted hats. As the objects deteriorate, the powdery fibers present an exposure hazard, not unlike flaking lead paint on the windowsill of an older building.
It is our goal to spread awareness about the possible presence of these hazards. Through consultation and the sharing of information and resources, we help our clients preserve and care for their collections while protecting themselves from potential harmful exposure.