What is a textile conservator and when do you need to contact one? Textile conservation is the caring for and repairing of textile objects. These objects can be everyday garments or important historical flags. They can be a tapestry that is hundreds of years old or a quilt stitched a few decades ago. They can be art pieces worth thousands of dollars or a childhood toy that has great sentimental value. Textile conservators work on a wide variety of objects but always try to change or alter as little as possible and preserve the essential nature of the piece.
When do you need to contact a textile conservator?
Because textile conservators work on such a wide variety of objects, it can be difficult to know whether an object needs to be sent to a professional. My general advice is that if an object is valuable, it should be sent to a conservator. This value may be monetary but could also be sentimental, historical, or otherwise. For example, a wedding dress from thirty years ago may not be particularly old or financially valuable, but a conservator can help preserve this family treasure. However, the normal shirt that you wear once a week can be patched at home or by a seamstress.
Conservators treat textiles that have a wide range of issues and damage. Some objects may need intensive work to support them structurally. Others may need only a gentle dusting or washing. Sometimes the object is in good condition, but a conservator is hired to advise on safe storage to prevent any future damage. No matter the condition of a textile, it’s a great idea to contact a conservator to repair any current issues and prevent future ones.
Rossi Conservation
If you are located in Scotland or Northern England and concerned about the condition of a textile in your care read here about the services offered by Rossi Conservation. You can also find my contact information here.
This post includes exerpts from my article “When and Where to Find a Textile Conservator,” for the PieceWork website, published 17 August 2022.