Conservation and Re-Creation in Textile Conservation
Lecturer: Candy Marang
Date: Sunday, March 13, 2022 1PM Eastern
Registration: February 14-21, 2022 1PM Eastern
Registration is closed.
Join lecturer Candy Marang for a virtual lecture on Conservation and Re-Creation in Textile Conservation at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. We will look at the Cromwell bed linens. The original bed linens were purchased by the Seiberlings from an antique dealer in New York City in 1915. They were old then, and even older now. Based on the pattern stitched on them, they are estimated to be 17-th century Flemish “large leaf” design. Due to age, light damage and moths the originals could not be displayed any longer. The House asked the Stan Hywet Needlework Guild if we could recreate the upper and lower valences, the bed curtains and the counterpane. Of course we said yes! This was estimated to be a ten-year project. Despite not everything going smoothly, we completed the linens in 8 years.
Followed by the Valence Project. The valence hanging in the Reception Room was original to the house, and had very little of the original fibers remaining on it. Again, the Stan Hywet Needlework Guild was asked if we could recreate it. And, again, we said yes. Months of research, and nearly a year of stitching and assembly went into it, and the valence now hangs proudly in its original location, bright and beautiful for all to see.
Then there will be a general discussion of how a Historic House Museum stores and conserves its antique textiles, and then some basic guidelines on textile storage and care in the home setting.
