IDENTIFICATION:
Catalog number: CACH 2469
Object: Textile
Material: Cotton
Accession number: CACH-00068
Treatment performed by: Ali Wysopal, conservation technician, under the supervision of Dana Senge, conservator
Exam Date: 06/05/2019
Treatment Report: 07/12/2019
DESCRIPTION:
This catalog number represents twelve twill weave plaiting textile fragments. They are all constructed using single ply, z-twist warp and weft cotton yarn.
CONDITION:
The textile fragments are creased and misaligned. Portions of the plaiting are matted with dried dirt and encrustations. Losses to the warps and wefts can be seen throughout, and woven elements are loose along ends. Loose dirt and dust can be seen across the surfaces along with differing degrees of discoloration. Fragments F, G, H, I, J, K, and L are stiff and friable requiring caution when handling.
Treatment Procedure:
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 soot sponge, followed by vacuuming.
3. 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.
4. Created a new window mat storage mount with muslin lined backing board.
5. Attached a photo of the fragment to the back of the muslin mount.