Textile Conservation
Lab
"They
are the best private conservation laboratory in the country,
probably the world."
Nobuko Kajitani
Chief Textile Conservator, 1966-2003
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Under the direction of conservator Marlene Eidelheit, the Textile
Conservation Laboratory maintains the highest of conservation
standards. Tailoring its approach to meet the needs of each
textile, the Laboratory is a world-class institution for the
conservation of delicate tapestries and fabrics of antiquity.
America's leading museums have become regular clientele of the
Laboratory, as have private collectors of ancient to modern
textiles.
CONSERVING CATHEDRAL TAPESTRIES
The Laboratory maintains its mission to conserve the Cathedral's
textiles. Two tapestry collections from the 17th century are
displayed in the nave of the Cathedral. The Life of Christ from
the Barberini looms of Italy were woven for the nephew of Pope
Urban VIII and were made in Italy when most tapestries were
woven in northern Europe. Moreover, the set was woven once only,
rather than in an edition as was the custom. In 1998, the Laboratory
received funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Samuel Kress Foundation for
an intern to work on these great tapestries.
The Acts of the Apostles, are based on cartoons
by Raphael and were woven in a workshop in England in the late 1600's. The eight
pictorial tapestries are based on the original 16th-century
set woven for Pope Leo X to adorn the walls of the Sistine Chapel. Raphael's cartoons
for the series are now part of the collection of the Victoria
and Albert Museum.
ARTISTRY
The Laboratory conserves tapestries, needlepoint,upholstery,
costumes, and other textiles. Each piece that is brought to
the Laboratory is analyzed for its conservation needs, including
research into the iconography and history of the textile to
ensure the accuracy of the conservation work, and a full condition
report to determine the state and structural stability of the
textile. Conservators then analyze the fibers and a conservation
approach is agreed upon by the client. Depending on the condition
of the fabrics, the piece is treated by wet, dry, suction, or
spot-cleaning methods. If needed, yarn and fabric are dyed on-site
to repair holes or threadbare areas. Finally, backings, mounts,
or frames are created to display the work. Countless pieces
have been recovered from states of disrepair to be enjoyed for
centuries to come.
INFORMATION
For more information on the Textile Conservation Laboratory,
contact:
Marlene Eidelheit, Director
The Textile Conservation Laboratory
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Ave. at 112th Street
New York, New York 10025
Telephone: 212-316-7523
Fax: 212-932-7348
E-Mail: eidelheit@stjohndivine.org
