Conservation of those family mementos

A delightful tiny shirt worn by Emmie Parkes’ grandfather when he was a small child, and shown by Emmie at a meeting of the local Family History Group, inspired me to learn more about conservation of the fabrics I have in my care.

Old textiles need to be handled with gentleness … the mere act of lifting a heavy item can cause damage. I have a beautiful beaded evening gown which weighs over 2 kg and such weight would put huge strain on the thin shoulder straps, even if it’s hung on a padded coat hanger [never use wire or wood]. This dress needs to be stored flat because of its weight.

Before storing fabrics, they need to be clean. Deep freezing will kill pests, tweezers will remove debris, and extremely gentle vacuum cleaning will remove surface dust. And don’t forget to empty any pockets; you may even find a historical gem!

Take great care with dry cleaning or washing any item, the chlorine in town water damages old material, so that is one advantage we 'bushies' have with our tank water. If in doubt ask an expert.

Check out the internet, a Google search using “textiles conservation” brought up more than four million web sites, you’re sure to find something useful, including recipes for the laundry.

The Australian War Memorial web site < www.awm.gov.au/aboutus/conservation/index.htm > has excellent information online where you can learn how to care for Works of art on paper, Books, Documents, Medals, Oil paintings, Photographs, Textiles, Disaster Recovery  and Cleaning Soot Damaged Objects.

Once your item is clean you need to decide where and how to store it. You need an insect-free, clean, dry area with some air flow. Damp means mould, so anywhere damp is definitely unacceptable. This means you can’t use a roof storage space, a linen cupboard in a bathroom or laundry especially if you use a drier, a cupboard above a damp area such as a fish tank or evaporative cooler.

Items are best stored flat but you may be able to roll a large item. If you do have to fold, make sure the folds are not sharp (to avoid splits in the fabric) and support the folds with acid free tissue, that is white pH neutral tissue. Never use coloured tissue, the colour will stain your precious memento. If you can’t find appropriate tissue, a well used clean colourless tea towel or sheet may suffice.

Make sure you have removed any safety pins and badges. Don’t use plastic bags, don’t use newspaper, don’t allow moth balls or insect strips to touch the textiles and don’t use lavender as it will attract insects after a few months.

Storage in the dark is recommended to prevent fading and check frequently to make sure there have been no winged invaders. My wedding dress had a couple of munchers in its box before I learned how to take action! And my century old christening gown is now under much better supervision.

If in any doubt, ask an expert before you start. Textile Conservators willing to advise are at

Australian War Memorial, Canberra, phone 02 6243 444

Endangered Heritage, Canberra, phone 02 6287 1291

Acknowledgements: 

Endangered Heritage <http://www.endangeredheritage.com/services.htm  > 

and the AWM with its brilliant web site <http:// www.awm.gov.au/aboutus/conservation/index.htm >

   by Caroline Gaden   ©