Grecian Pageantry Costume Conservation Prepared for the New American Wing at the MFA, Boston
Before
The two piece ensemble had extensive damage due to infestation and poor storage conditions. A complete relining of the undress panels was needed to allow the garment to be stabile and properly supported for installation into the gallery.
Treatment
Most important to this treatment was choosing the perfect lining fabric that would add color compensation as well as the proper support but also drape as the original wool fabric. Contact humidification was utilized to flatten the original fabric before lining. Stitch stabilization was used to combine the panels with laid and couching stitches to stabilize the holes.
After Treatment
As visible from this photo the underarm is stabilized being brought back to its original design
The final presentation was beautiful with the treatment adding new life to both the panels of the garment as well as a rare costume from the early 1900”s