Tucking the net to the back after pinning.
This project was such a challenge and so much fun. Getting to work with the client to pick out the backing fabric that these will be mounted on was a unique experience, and though I won’t be there for the mounting process it was still fun to get a hint at what they will look like after I leave.
Our test hang of the piece titled: Magic Exists Between Nature and Art
As you can see this one was my favorite and the one that inspired me to do further research for the CSA conference the Fashion Archive and Museum is hosting this fall. The piece is titled: Self Portrait: Happiness
Titled: Nahuales Signify Harmony
The last project I would like to highlight is a gorgeous Yemeni dress that is embroidered with silver metal thread. It was a little complicated because I had to recoil the threads back into its original shapes and tac them down and it was actually very fun and frustrating at the same time.
It was like trying to stitch down wire to an extent. It definitely still had some memory to it so it was definitely fun to try and figure out how it was supposed to coil. My hands for sure smelled like money after but having to rework all that was a good challenge. To me, each textile is a puzzle, and it is our job as conservators to put its pieces back together and create the picture to the best of our ability.
Me couching the circle down
Pictured: General John Hartwell Cocke in his jacket that is with Caring for Textiles. Photo Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hartwell_Cocke
Pictured: Elizabeth Ann Seton (Saint Seton) wearing the bonnet that they would like us to conserve to be displayed. Photo Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Ann_Seton
Me working on the Steel Curtain banner in Heinz History Center, for more on that experience I have a blog about it on Caring For Textile’s website: https://www.caringfortextiles.com/through-the-onlooking-glass-a-view-to-open-conservation/
Me and Julia Brennan, owner of Caring for Textiles looking at a piece called Don’t Tread On Me, God Damn, Let’s Go!— The Harlem Hellfighters by the well-known American fiber artist Bisa Butler who has revolutionized what a quilt can be.
We could not leave without paying a visit to Grace of Monaco: Princess in Dior. Before I began my internship the Caring for Textiles team installed the Grace Kelly Exhibit at Hillwood so it was absolutely necessary to go pay it a visit.
