Midwest Art Conservation Center

Textiles are rarely flat and rarely made of one basic material or component. Textiles may be comprised of natural fibers (wool, silk, cotton, linen, hemp) and/or man-made fibers (nylon, polyester, acetate, plastic, etc.). Manufacturing techniques also widely vary: woven, knitted, plaited, braided, or felted. The surface may be embellished with thread, glass or metal beads, feathers, buttons, zippers, fringe, rings, and paint. A flag, for example, may be multi-layered and have a surface that is painted, embroidered, fringed, and have grommets. The textile may be more three-dimensional, such as a garment, and have stays, bone buttons, hooks, eyes, and embellishments.
The agents of deterioration that plague textile are not very different from those that affect other artifacts. An unstable environment including extremes in temperature and humidity, light levels, soiling, staining, insect and microbial damage, inherently poor components, improper handling, storage or use can all contribute to the need for treatment.
	The goals of our conservation treatments are stabilization, support and reversibility. The MACC textile conservator can employ wet, dry, or solvent cleaning techniques. Stabilization and compensation for loss on textiles and costumes are normally performed by sewing methods.
The staff of the Textile Conservation Laboratory of the Midwest Art Conservation Center is professionally qualified and experienced to identify and treat a wide range of textile based materials. This diversity is reflected in the broad range of artifacts conserved at MACC: tapestries, carpets, flags, quilts, coverlets, samplers, linens, and lace. Other objects may include upholstery, lampshades, ecclesiastical textiles, basketry, fans, dolls, maps, and costumes (including hats, gloves, handbags, shoes, etc).
More examples >
Before (click to enlarge)	After (click to enlarge)
Before (click to enlarge)	After (click to enlarge)