Dear Claire,

You can use the American Institute for Conservation "Find a Conservator Tool" to search for a textile conservator in your area.
Hopefully there is one nearby who can come examine the tapestry in person, if not, you might find someone able to give you some options for treatment via email if you send pictures.

Best of luck!
Malia

Malia Van Heukelem
Art Archivist Librarian
University of Hawaii at Manoa
808-956-2849


On Fri, Apr 29, 2022 at 4:31 AM Claire Oldfather <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Hello Everyone,

I am a librarian at LaGrange College in Georgia. We have a small but lovely special collections with some really unique objects, including a sixteenth-century tapestry. Unfortunately, this tapestry has been through quite a bit since it was acquired by the college -- a fire, being cut into pieces, and being backed with burlap and nailed to the wall. 

We are looking to conserve this tapestry but have no idea where to begin. Does anyone have any knowledge of conserving textiles, or does anyone have any suggestions for conservators to whom we could reach out? Our goal is to at least stabilize it so it can be safely stored. A secondary goal would be to have it in a state where we could still display it on campus as has been the tradition. 

I would appreciate any advice or direction. Thank you all so much!

Claire Oldfather
LaGrange College
Reference, Research and Instruction Librarian

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