Our specialised textile conservators use their deep understanding of fibres, colourants, design, and construction techniques to preserve and protect textiles, ensuring their longevity for future generations.
Services include
- Tapestries
- Historic clothing
- Historic soft furnishings
- Family heirlooms
- Military & sporting
Textile conservation is a specialised field dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and protection of textiles. The discipline combines art, science, and meticulous craftsmanship to ensure that textiles are safeguarded for future generations while preserving their original appearance and cultural significance.
We work on an enormous variety of textiles, from heirlooms to contemporary pieces. We conserve family heirloom samplers, tapestries, historic soft furnishings, military and sports memorabilia, ethnographic costumes and theatre furnishings. Our treatments range from simple preservation for safe storage, to complex full restorations such as reconstruction of flags and garments, consolidating failing historic upholstery, and devising display methodologies.
Each textile is carefully examined to assess its condition and determine the most appropriate conservation treatments. Our conservators are well-versed in methods such as stabilisation, cleaning, repair, and mounting, ensuring that the integrity and aesthetics of the textile are preserved while respecting its historical significance.
Our conservators can advise on optimal conditions for hanging and storing textiles including the prime stable environments, the best materials for hanging and consideration of UV glazing, allowing the textile to stay in optimal condition for the future generations.
We understand that textiles not only hold artistic value but also embody cultural and social narratives. Our conservation practices are guided by a deep respect for the material's original purpose and the intention of its creators. Whether it's preserving a delicate lace heirloom or restoring a grand tapestry, we approach each project with the utmost care, sensitivity, and expertise.
Trust our expertise in textile conservation. Contact us today to discuss your textile conservation needs and let us help you preserve and honour the fabric of our collective heritage.
Frequently asked questions
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The cost for conservation treatment is based on an hourly rate, plus GST. It is unusual for a treatment to cost anything less than $800.00 - $1,000.00+GST, depending on the item and the level of damage. To proceed with proposed treatment, we require a 30% initial payment.
Nothing! Our estimates are free of charge and obligation free. Note: There are some instances where we DO charge a fee prior to providing an estimate for your work: for site visits, mould affected items, and for quoting larger collections/projects, and where pieces need deframing to determine treatment needs. Let us know about your needs, and we can advise on the likely cost.
We can provide a rough guide to the potential cost when you send us detailed photographs. However, as every item is different, and treatments depend on the materials and type and extent of damage or deterioration, we do need to see the piece physically to provide you with an accurate estimate for treatment.
If you would like an initial consultation with a conservator, please book an appointment ahead of time. Otherwise, our friendly reception staff are always available to register your item for assessment. We can also arrange phone consultations with conservators prior to you bringing in your item. Initial consultations generally last 10 minutes and are useful if you have any specific questions or concerns to discuss. If the appropriate conservator is not available, we will note any requests or concerns and have the conservator contact you.
Site visits are charged at our hourly rate to cover travel and assessment time.
Yes. Our item registration receipt includes an insurance value section, which we will ask you to complete. This helps us to ensure that ICS carries the appropriate insurance value at all times to cover all items in our care.
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Passionate about conserving art and cultural heritage
Our expert team would love to help you find solutions to your conservation and heritage needs. Get in touch today.