AboutSara Tro Expertise I am a professional custom picture framer and designer. I have experience in all areas of
picture framing, and own my own custom framing shop. I can answer questions relating
to the design of a piece, the preservation of the artwork, color theory, photograph
restoration, decor, art placement, room balancing and installation questions.
Experience I have owned my own retail custom frame shop for 5 years, and managed a high-end shop before that for 5.5 years. I worked for a professional restorer and archivist for 8 months prior to the management position. I am also a fine artist myself, with a BFA in Photography and Printmaking, and have been framing my own work for years and years.
Education/Credentials BFA Fine Arts, NYSCC at Alfred University, NY
Expert: Sara Tro Date: 6/29/2008 Subject: preserving antique textiles
Question I own an antique fur tapestry hand made in China. I bought it in 1970 (it was old then,) and have stored it for years. I took it out to hang, and the hyde is deteriorating, mostly where the stitching is. It used to hang with a metal bar that went through a cloth loop sewn onto the back at the top. The cloth is now ripping away & taking the hyde with it. Can you suggest how to preserve a piece like this, or direct me to someone who might. I've seen ancient rugs mounted and sealed in a glass or plexiglass frame. Is this a possible solution?
Thank you for any information.
Answer Hi Brie1
Thanks for writing!
Sounds like you have a cool piece of history in your collection!
As this is not my specialty, and I wouldn't want to give you incorrect information, I would probably suggest you call my restorer friend. His name is Danny, and he owns and operates Phoenix Art Restoration and Custom framing in Shoreline, Washington. He might not work with hides, but he might know of a service that would.
I think your plexiglas box situation is a good one, as plexi doesn't absorb any moisture from the air like glass does, but i wouldn't know the first thing about how to repair a hide that is drying out badly. I would imagine that someone might be able to coat it with something that would preserve the integrity of the hide, but it would probably devalue the item, (any changes you make to the original piece will be considered damage by many historians and collectors, and most restorers will advise reversible repairs if the piece is very valuable).
I think, like you said, that how to "hang" the piece is the biggest problem. Stitching through the hide will probably tear it eventually, especially if the hide is already coming apart or flaking. Adding another cloth tube might not be a good idea either, unless you could restore the hide and then stitch it to a better spot on the hide where the integrity is still intact.
I wish you the best of luck in your project, and please let me know how it turns out. Also, please tell Danny I sent you, if you decide to call him. You can find his shop on Google very easily, (I don't have his # in front of me right this sec..)
Best,
Sara
