preservator
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
This item, which comes from the Conservation
Distribution List, does have information that
should be useful to those involved with needlework
items, but it is also a useful example of how
opinions can differ on the hazards that something
might present (wax on thread) and how one can go
about assessing such potential dangers. During times when the wax might support the growth of microbes, the relative humidity would be high enough to allow mold to grow; thus, the conservator opted for allowing the use of waxed thread, even though there was a potential danger.
Hugh
From: Soren Ibsen <soren.ibsen@ub.ntnu.no>
Subject: Beeswax and needlework
Rachel Kennedy <rachel-kennedy@cis-gw.tamu.edu>, in a message posted by Emily Jacobson <ejacobson@ushmm.org> writes
> I am a member of Embroiderer's Guild of America and I'm doing
> research involving needlework conservation. I know that
> beeswax is frequently used to wax sewing threads for various
> reasons and I'm wondering what affect, if any, this has on the
> condition of the piece in later years. Also, if beeswax were
> softened (by melting it and adding a small amount of oil before
> re-hardening) is there a particular oil that would be safe for
> this purpose from a conservation standpoint?
Linen thread used for bookbinding or restoration of books have been waxed with beeswax. It makes the thread more flexible during the sewing operation. I also used beeswax until a chemist told me not to use it, because it is food for microorganisms. So I stop it, until a textile conservator told me that it is safe to use. That is probably true, because microorganisms first start to work when the relative humidity goes over 70%. I also think that clean unbleached beeswax without any additives is the best choice for waxing the tread.
Soren Ibsen
Conservator
University Library of Trondheim
Norway
Distribution List, does have information that
should be useful to those involved with needlework
items, but it is also a useful example of how
opinions can differ on the hazards that something
might present (wax on thread) and how one can go
about assessing such potential dangers. During times when the wax might support the growth of microbes, the relative humidity would be high enough to allow mold to grow; thus, the conservator opted for allowing the use of waxed thread, even though there was a potential danger.
Hugh
From: Soren Ibsen <soren.ibsen@ub.ntnu.no>
Subject: Beeswax and needlework
Rachel Kennedy <rachel-kennedy@cis-gw.tamu.edu>, in a message posted by Emily Jacobson <ejacobson@ushmm.org> writes
> I am a member of Embroiderer's Guild of America and I'm doing
> research involving needlework conservation. I know that
> beeswax is frequently used to wax sewing threads for various
> reasons and I'm wondering what affect, if any, this has on the
> condition of the piece in later years. Also, if beeswax were
> softened (by melting it and adding a small amount of oil before
> re-hardening) is there a particular oil that would be safe for
> this purpose from a conservation standpoint?
Linen thread used for bookbinding or restoration of books have been waxed with beeswax. It makes the thread more flexible during the sewing operation. I also used beeswax until a chemist told me not to use it, because it is food for microorganisms. So I stop it, until a textile conservator told me that it is safe to use. That is probably true, because microorganisms first start to work when the relative humidity goes over 70%. I also think that clean unbleached beeswax without any additives is the best choice for waxing the tread.
Soren Ibsen
Conservator
University Library of Trondheim
Norway