Open Forum

Hello, everyone!

I am seeking any advice you have for storing a very important piece of our collection at the Muhammad Ali Center - Ali's robe that was gifted to him by Elvis Presley. This robe is absolutely covered in rhinestones with brass inlays with a belt to match. It is made out of stretchable wool/mixed-blend gabardine fabric (like that of ice skaters' costumes) and has a blue silk interior. This piece has been on display for much longer than it should have been and we have received funding to create a replica and seek out conservation for the original. 

As you might imagine, some of the brass inlays are beginning to discolor the cream-colored fabric and we do not want to make this any worse in storage. My initial thought was to fold the piece carefully in an acid-free textile box and lay acid-free tissue paper between each layer so there is no fabric-on-fabric contact. However, I would love to hear ideas from the rest of the community!

Thank you in advance!

------------------------------
Amelia McGrath
Collections & Exhibits Associate
Muhammad Ali Center
Louisville KY
------------------------------

Hi there Ameila, 

Here at Missouri Historical Society we do have some of our embellished/rhinestoned objects in boxes, and just like your thought, have tissue supporting them. I recommend a rolled piece at the folds so you don't have creases if you don't do this already. We also have some hung, which would limit the contact and possible abrasion of the rhinestones against other materials. We also have a large Lady Charles dress that remains on a form with a dust cover protecting it from light as a third option. Obviously these are all options depending on space more than anything! 

Hope that helps! 

------------------------------
Sejal Goel
Object Conservation Fellow
Library - Missouri Historical Society
St Louis MO
------------------------------

Hi Amelia,

Since you have funding for conservation for the robe, your conservator would be the person to advise on how best to store it long-term and fabricate whatever special storage materials are needed.  They may advise isolating the metal from the fabric in some way, perhaps by wrapping the inlays themselves in tissue if that's feasible, but this kind of advice really should come from an expert who is able to examine the robe in person.  In the short term, your idea of folding the robe carefully with acid free tissue separating the layers (pad the folds with pleats of acid-free tissue as well) and putting it into an acid-free box sounds like a good way to go to help prevent any further damage while the robe waits for conservation. Try to get a box large enough to minimize the amount of folding you have to do.

If you need help finding a textile conservator, check the Find A Conservator page on AIC's website: American Institute for Conservation & Foundation for Advancement in Conservation

Culturalheritage		remove preview
American Institute for Conservation & Foundation for Advancement in Conservation Website of AIC and FAIC, the association of conservation professionals that focus on cultural heritage objects and materials and its foundation. View this on Culturalheritage >

I hope this helps.

------------------------------
Melissa Leventon
Principal
Curatrix Group Museum Consultants and Appraisers
San Francisco CA
melissa@curatrix.net
------------------------------