Open Forum

Hi all—we have a 1900s era Arabic silk wall hanging that has come into our collection. It is approximately 4’x6’ with a silk pile of approx 3/8-1/4”. It is fine quality and in very good condition. One very similar sold at Sotheby’s London about 30 years ago.

The donor had stored it rolled. We do not have tapestries in our collection other than wool rugs on the floors in the house museum.

What helpful tips can you offer for proper care and storage?

Thank you!

Wendie Cook

Executive Director
The Citadelle Art Museum
www.thecitadelle.org
806.323.8899 museum
806.217.1553 cell

Hello - I would suggest that you reach out to a textile conservator to examine and assess your wall hanging in person - that way you will have recommendations based on the art museum's situation and the physical and visual condition of the wall hanging and its needs. 

The US organization for professional conservators, American Institute for Conservation, offers a free online referral webpage:

https://www.culturalheritage.org/about-conservation/find-a-conservator

Regards, 

Meg 

------------------------------
Margaret Geiss-Mooney
Conservator
meg@textileconservator.com
(707) 763-8694
Springfield, OR
------------------------------

I second getting a conservator to look it over. For basic storage, it is best to lay it flat if you can and enclose it in something breathable (Silk can get dry-rot). We use Tyvex type 14R for direct contact with a lot of our collection including silk pieces.

Congrats on the acquisition, sounds exciting.

-Allen

------------------------------
Allen West
Senior Project Technician
The Fabric Workshop and Museum
Philadelphia PA
------------------------------