Framing an OLD Dress

[DaveK]

I was approached by a potential customer today that was interested in me framing a couple of very old (100 years old) dresses for her. She was not sure of the fabric that they were made out of, but they are both quite stained, and very old looking. I would like them to be clean before I frame them.(She is going to clean them, but is unsure of what to use.) I figured this one would be a good one for Hugh, or anyone else that might have any secrets they would like to share. If the dresses don't fall apart from the cleaning, I will post some pics when finished. Thanks in advance.

[CAframer]

Not a dress, but a blouse and skirt that I did a while back ... it belonged to my client's maternal grandmother back when they lived in the old country (Greece), probably about a hundred years ago.

I handled it pretty much like a jersey ... made separate formers for the blouse and skirt. They seemed to like the result.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a272/ajperry/Skirtandblouse.jpg

In this case I had Lois make me an acrylic front to pop into a Roma Tabbacino moulding.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a272/ajperry/IMG_0566.jpg

[preservator]

Stains in textile are not only unpleasant to look at, they can also attract pests and the dresses should be cleaned. They can be hand-laundered in cold water and washing soda and then should be thoroughly rinsed and spread out for air drying. Textiles do not do well in long-term display, since
gravity and light affect the fibers, but if the client decides to go ahead, with that in mind, an internal support, made of conservation quality board, covered
with polyester batting and a final covering of well-washed muslin, should help
to minimize the stresses on the dresses.



Hugh

[DaveK]

Thanks for the tips guys, like I said earlier, I WILL be posting pics of the finished work at a later date. And Andrew, you did an awesome job on the outfit. This doesn't look like it is 100 years old. Must have been well taken care of prior to framing.

[Rebecca]

In addition to what Hugh said, washing soda has a high pH, so wouldn't be appropriate for silk or wool or very fragile celluloses.

WA Paste (Orvus) is one option - it is pH neutral. Stains might require local treatment. And metal parts like hooks and eyes can rust...

If they really want to do it themselves, they might set up a consultation with a textile conservator first to discuss specifics. There should be lots to choose from in your area.

Rebecca

[Bill Henry-]

You might also contact the American Textile Museum (http://www.athm.org/home_framemiddle2.htm) in Lowell, Massachusetts. I cannot remember the name of the person that I’ve talked to there, but there is a conservator on staff who has helped me in the past.