Restoration is the actual replacement of missing material, employing the original techniques of manufacture. Reweaving, re-knotting, and re-stitching of textiles such as tapestries, rugs, quilts and samplers is available.
- Cleaning (mechanical / wet / dry)
- Removal/reduction of stains and discolouration
- Flattening / decreasing distortions of the fabric;
- Consolidation / restoration of degraded or missing parts;
- Consolidation of partial / total fabric by sewing on a new support;
- Restoring the gaps in the fabric using the original technique of the item / repairing gaps using the bed wire method;
- Setting up the display / storage of textile piece.
Conservation is the stabilization of existing material. Conservation by stitchery includes the sewing of fabric overlays and underlays to support and infill areas of loss. Various darning and couch stitch techniques are used to secure the support materials to the textiles.
Conservation by adhesive consolidation is often necessary for the stabilization of shattered silk fabrics and other dry rotted materials. A support material is coated with an appropriate conservation approved adhesive. The material is then heat fused to the damaged textile.