For more information on the textiles workshop

Conservation of objects:

The workshop mainly works on tapestries and ethnographic, archaeological or liturgical textiles, as well as textile relics.

Method:

In situ missions are frequent, involving emergency treatment, advice inquiring, and assisting with permanent or temporary exhibitions.

Each textile is set back in its historic and aesthetic context, the materials and techniques are defined (analysis of the fabrics, fibres, dyes, radiocarbon dating) and the causes of their deterioration are investigated.

This stage of research and documentation, using a multidisciplinary approach, is carried out prior to any intervention and determines the nature of the conservation.

The extent of cleaning will be guided by this preliminary examination. In many cases this will involve no more than careful removal of dust using a vacuum cleaner with special nozzles.

In order to conserve the work of art solvents and even water are used only when necessary, and after meticulous examination of the resistance of the dyes and the solidity of the fabrics.

With tapestries, the workshop first cleans them and then proceeds to the conservation or consolidation. The tapestry is stretched out slightly on a loom and sewn onto a fabric support.

Flat textiles are consolidated on a work surface with mobile panels. They are also sewn onto a fabric backing.

The materials we use are tested and analysed in our laboratories. Threads and linings are dyed in the workshop with coloring agents, which are selected for their resistance to light and washing.

Equipment:

The workshop has a cleaning room, equipped with a table with a steaming and exhaust system, an exhaust hood for local solvent treatment, an ultrasound humidifier and a binocular microscope for mechanical treatments.