Sewing or adhesive
Two methods for restoring old textiles
MúzeumCafé 18.
When we have to restore a textile art object first we have to determine its basic materials. Paper, wood, metal and fabric are often found together. Other experts have to be involved in consultations about the restoration – after all, no historian would be happy if a hero’s blood were to be cleaned from a flag or the holes caused by bullets on a vest were removed. Fabrics woven from floral and animal threads, of different colour and sizes can be found together on textile objects, which are also decorated with metal and leather. Should cleaning with water be necessary, the original condition is precisely noted with photographs, drawings and a description. Then we separate the different materials and each is cleaned with the most appropriate means. Water is the most ideal solvent in the case of textile cleaning, because the fabric regains its flexibility and it can be moved and shaped. There are two methods of restoring textiles: sewing and adhesive. Silk fabrics generally respond well to sewing. The sewing method provides a more durable, softer and more flexible result than the adhesive method. The latter is up-to-date, yet it is only used when absolutely necessary because, besides its many advantages, it has disadvantages – it is sensitive to heat, when the weather is warm it softens and collects dust, while the bond weakens in the cold and generally ages and turns yellow faster compared with natural materials. Nevertheless, if the art object cannot be restored with sewing the adhesive method is useful since it helps to make textiles come to life again and be exhibited. At the end of a long restoration process the fibres of the object get next to one another and the item can again be lifted and exhibited; it regains its strength and aesthetic value. Covering the reverse of an object is the last phase of restoration.