Attachment_2_Collection_Condition_Survey.pdf

Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site

Collection Condition Survey Textile and Wooden Artifacts

Saint-Gaudens NHS

ATTACHMENT 2, July 24, 2013

Collection Condition Survey

Harpers Ferry Center P.O. Box 50 Harpers Ferry WV 25425

Anne Ennes Textile Conservator Museum Conservation Services 304 535 6700 June 10-14, 2013

Larry Bowers Wooden Artifacts Conservator Museum Conservation Services 304 535 6052 June 10-14, 2013

U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Washington D.C.

3. Tapestry (SAGA 782)

Condition: Fair-relatively stable

Fading

Splits; exposed warps scattered throughout

Previous repairs/darning; distortions occurring as a result of some of these repairs.

Treatment Recommendation:

Surface clean by vacuuming Remove any disfiguring repairs and re-stabilize Stabilize other areas where necessary Remove old hanging system of hooks and rings Replace with appropriate Velcro/webbing strip Prepare accompanying hanging slat

Treatment Hours: 70

Display Recommendation: Currently on Aspet’s dining room wall Maintain light levels at a maximum of 5 foot candles. Current light level is good, providing the lights on sideboard remain off.

Complete treatment as recommended.

Inspect tapestry & vacuum surface yearly using low suction, a soft upholstery brush attachment, and a screen.

12. Tapestry (SAGA 1627)

Condition: Fair-relatively stable, but at risk

Fading Splits Weak areas Dry/stiff handle Previous repairs; throughout Distortions; particularly at bottom from lining attachment.

Distortions, including a rolled bottom border.

Previous repairs; exposed and broken warps.

Surface Clean Remove any disfiguring or inappropriate repairs, such as the monofilament stitches noted in Marlene Eidelheit’s 1995 report.

Stabilize additional areas where needed with couching.

Release lining at bottom edge to relieve tension which is causing the lower border to roll.

Treatment Hours: 60

Display Recommendation: Currently on Aspet’s landing wall Balance and reduce light levels to a maximum of 5 foot candles as soon as possible.

Current light level measured 9 foot candles on a cloudy day.

Complete the recommended treatment.

Inspect tapestry & vacuum surface yearly using low suction, a soft upholstery brush attachment, and a screen

14. One Piece Dress w/ detachable bodice front (SAGA 2393)

Condition: Poor-fragile, handle with care

Stains Tears, disintegration; primarily satin inner skirt & hem facing Loss, fraying; fuchsia silk crepe edging bodice Hole; small, from dermestid on CF of detachable bodice Previous repairs; inner skirt & hem facing have been encapsulated in netting shattered silks

Surface clean Remove netting Humidify & re-stabilize inner skirt & hem facing and encapsulate with silk crepeline Encapsulate silk crepe at bodice edges Prepare custom fitted inner support forms (Tyvek would be used to minimize friction & risk of snagging fragile interiors)

Treatment Hours 65

Storage Recommendation:

Store in appropriate-sized (60”) archival box. Skirt needs to be unfolded. Dress should be stored with its custom-made interior supports and enveloped in clean muslin within the box.

Display recommendation:

Not recommended for display at this time. Once conservation treatment has been completed, the dress could be made available for viewing on a controlled basis (for example-research requests, one-day special events, etc.).

15. Dress-2 pieces (SAGA 2394)

Condition: Poor-fragile, handle with care Stains; especially at underarms Tears; throughout skirt & lining Loss; in lace at yoke Detachment; partial PR sleeve sash

Surface clean Stabilize bodice & lace Humidify & stabilize skirt; encapsulate with silk crepeline Prepare custom fitted inner support forms (Tyvek would be used to minimize friction & risk of snagging fragile interiors)

Treatment Hours 65

Storage Recommendation:

Store bodice and skirt separately in appropriate-sized archival boxes. Skirt needs to be unfolded and stored in a 60” box. Both pieces should be stored with their custom-made interior supports and enveloped in clean muslin within the boxes.

Display recommendation:

Not recommended for display at this time. Once conservation treatment has been completed, the dress could be made available for viewing on a controlled basis (for example-research requests, one-day special events, etc.).