Textile conservator
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A sub-specialty of art conservators. Can be employed by a museum, other institution, or be an independent contractor. Charged with the care, treatment, and preservation of textiles. Issues addressed by a textile conservator include: light, mold and mildew, insects, cleaning, surface cleaning, washing, mounting for display, and storage. [1]
Definition of Textiles
See Textile
Textiles have adorned human bodies and homes for centuries and can include: lace, linens, rugs, tapestries, gowns, historic fabrics, and quilts. Textile objects can be made from natural fibers, such as wool, silk, cotton, linen, hemp, rayon; or synthetic materials, like polyester and nylon. Many textile objects also contain other media or materials, such as leather, animal fur, metal thread, or metal zippers.
Care and Treatment
Textiles are among the most fragile artifacts, as they are susceptible to damage from atmospheric pollutants, moisture, biological organisms, and environmental changes. Care varies with size, shape, material, and condition issues.
A textile conservator’s first task is to write a treatment proposal that includes an examination of the object and condition issues. A typical report includes a technical description of an object, historical data, information on the object’s present state, recommendations for treatment, expected results of treatment. Extensive written and photographic documentation is made. During treatment, photo documentation is also maintained, as well as after. After treatment, a final treatment report is completed and includes recommendations for continued care. [2]
Textile conservators muse be able to treat all types of media used. As textiles may include additional adornments, such as glass beads or metal fringes, so conservators must have a wide knowledge of preservation techniques for all types of media and material.
Tools of the trade can include: sewing materials; vacuums with a variable, controllable suction like the Nilfish vacuum cleaner; wet cleaning supplies; dry cleaning supplies; acid-free materials, such as tissue paper, tubes, and boxes for storage; and flat storage mats for storage.
Education and Training[3]
The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) acknowledges options for formal education in North America to include: New York University (NYU) Institute of Fine Arts Conservation Center; Winterthur program at the University of Delaware; and the art conservation program at Queen's University in Ontario, Canada.
A Masters’ degree in textile chemistry or textile engineering may be offered at other universities and colleges.
Related: The following programs offer specialization in costume conservation: Fashion Institute of Technology, New York; University of Rhode Island, and the Textile Conservation Centre at Hampton Court Palace, England.
References:
Bachmann, Konstanze (ed.), Conservation Concerns: A Guide for Collectors and Curators (1992). Smithsonian Institution: Washington, D.C.
Lowengard, Sarah (February 1995). "Preparation for a career in textile conservation" on the Conservation Online website and retrieved on March 1, 2015 from: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byauth/lowengard/lowengard.training.html
The Winterthur Guide to Caring for Your Collection (2000). The Henry Franis Du Pont Winterthur Museum, Inc.: Delaware.