IDENTIFICATION
Catalog number: CACH 1984
Object: Textile
Material: Cotton
Accession number: CACH-00068
Treatment performed by: Ali Wysopal, conservation intern, under the supervision of Dana Senge, conservator
Exam Date: 05/13/2019
Treatment Report: 07/12/2019
Measurements: (a) L 20.5, W 11.5, D 0.01 cm, (b) L 25, W 6, D 0.01 cm, (c) L 15, W 5, D 0.01 cm, (d) L 16, W 4, D 0.01 cm, (e) L 26, W 2, D 0.01 cm, (f) L 17.5, W 6, D 0.01 cm, (g) L 5.5, W 2.5, D 0.01 cm, (h) L 5, W 3.5, D 0.01 cm
DESCRIPTION:
This catalog number represents eight small to medium plain weave textile fragments, ranging in color from white/light tan to brown. They are all constructed using single ply, z-twist warp and weft cotton yarn. Fragment A appears to have been partially dyed orange, with one edge showing possible scorch marks. Fragment B is almost white in color with what looks like scorch marks along two edges. Fragment F has a long re-plied element consisting of two 2s-plied yarns twisted together proturfing from one edge. It appears that an additional woven element may have been previously attached to this length of yarn and that the twisted element may have been the salvaged edge. Fragments G and H are small, dark brown, and brittle.
CONDITION:
The textile fragments are creased and misaligned, and portions of the frayed yarn are matted. Losses to the warps and wefts can be seen throughout, and woven elements are loose along unhemmed edges. Little of the woven structure remains in fragment E. Loose dirt and dust can be seen across the surfaces along with differing degrees of discoloration. Fragments G and H are very brittle and easily friable, requiring caution when handling.
PROPOSED TREATMENT:
1. Reduced loose dirt and dust from textile by vacuuming with a variable suction vacuum through a nylon screen. Larger debris was mechanically removed with tweezers.
2. Further reduced remaining soiling by tamping with a vulcanized rubber soot sponge, followed by vacuuming.
3. The water solubility of the orange dye in fragment A was tested. Dye was found to be colorfast. Proceeded with humidification.
4. Humidified textiles in packages between Reemay, Gore-tex, dampened blotters, and Mylar, then untangled and properly aligned loose woven elements. Textile was weighted between dry blotters during drying to hold loose fibers in place and improve the alignment.
5. Created a new window mat storage mount with muslin lined backing board.
6. Attached a photo of the fragment to the back of the muslin mount.
Date of completion of treatment: 07/12/2019