Condition

The embroidery was attached to the wooden frame and cotton backing with iron tacks, which were rusting, and starting to spread to the fabric. Because of the tautness of the fabric, its now deformed around the edges. There are many small holes in the fabric from insects (carpet beetles). In one area this has led to a larger tear from handling. The last point of concern with the embroidery is the dirt on the surface.

 

Treatment Aims

To take the embroidery off the frame, clean it and remount it.

​

Treatment

To support the fabric during treatment, it was first stitched to the cotton backing in multiple places, to distribute any tension more evenly. It was also supported underneath. The embroidery was then dry cleaned with soft brushes and sponges to remove the surface dirt. A padded mount was made for the embroidery, large enough to be framed later.

It was decided to remove the tacks before the stitches, so that any vibration and stress would be more widely dispersed across the artefact. The tacks were removed using a tack puller and mallet, with the heads of deeply embedded tacks being first ground down first. Once the embroidery was off the stretcher, it was laid on acid free tissue paper to relax before the back was cleaned and the piece mounted. Although wet cleaning was considered, it was decided against due to the age and friability of the textile.

The artefact was secured, and the back dry cleaned with brushes and sponges. It was then laid out on the mount, and centered before being pinned down. The textile was secured using a herringbone stitch. It was decided to vary the width of the stitches, so that they would avoid straining the damaged areas, but not cover the embroidery.

​