Restoration / Framing a Flag

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MartyD
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Restoration / Framing a Flag

Post by MartyD »

Hi

Belated Happy New Year.

Writing with a request for advice / direction.

Recently I have asked if I can frame a silk flag which is in rather poor condition, see attached photos. Currently the item loose is in a glass topped wooden cabinet but the intent is to frame and hang on a wall.

Can anyone provide advice on how I should attempt this or provide direction to an individual / company who could perform work.

Any feedback would be very welcome.

Regards

Marty D.
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Tudor Rose
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Re: Restoration / Framing a Flag

Post by Tudor Rose »

Hi Marty

That's quite some job!

I would be looking to find a Textile Conservator to work with on this one with the customer. You can search ICON's website register here ->
https://www.conservationregister.com/ or if there is no-one close enough to you, the other thing to do is contact your nearest major museum, National Trust or English Heritage property which might house textiles, and ask for recommendations from their archivist/conservator. My advice would be to put them in touch with each other and then allow the contract for any work to be direct between the customer and the conservator. That avoids any liabilities on your part.

A specialist Textile Conservator would be able to do a full condition report, advise the customer on what can or cannot be achieved and then, if they think it is suitable for framing, prepare it for you, ready to be fitted into a frame.

If it is possible to frame it without causing it to deteriorate rapidly, then it is going to need full support of some kind. That could be being sandwiched between layers of monofilament fabric and carefully couch stitched as one potential example. The Conservator would also be able to advise on their recommendation for framing. Potentially some form of direct contact overlay with Optium Acrylic against the face of it. But they may recommend leaving it laying horizontally as it has so much damage already and previous repair work.

Be fascinating to get updates on how this is going.
Jo Palmer GCF(APF) Adv
Textile, Mount Design & Function & Conservation


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Justintime
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Re: Restoration / Framing a Flag

Post by Justintime »

I can recommend speaking to Wendy Toulson ACR (an ICON accredited member). She is in Kington Herefordshire.
wendytoulson.james@btinternet.com
I took a piece to her in similar but not as bad condition last year for an appraisal. She provided me with a full condition report, including proposed conservation work and recommended framing methods, including framing methods if the customer was not ready to undertake the conservation work at that time. She had also researched the piece and provided historical references for it, which was an added bonus.
In this instance, the piece was of huge sentimental value, a family heirloom, but had been bought in a street market in the 60's for pence, think Hippy Trail purchase! The customer wasn't inclined to take it to Herefordshire, so I took it upon myself as a relationship building exercise, both with the conservator and the customer. There's always going to be some "price shock" with jobs like this, especially when the conservator costs are factored in, but having an understanding of what's involved and being able to offer your customer choices and price levels helps build their confidence in you and their acceptance of the cost.
Justin George GCF(APF)
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Re: Restoration / Framing a Flag

Post by JFeig »

Looking at the loss areas (you did not include a total image of the piece), I would question the feasibility of framing this item. A picture frame infers a vertical display which is not a good idea with such loss. Enclosed in a display case, possibly with a slanted platform might be more realistic.
Jerome Feig CPF®
http://www.minoxy.com
MartyD
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Location: Wolverhampton
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Restoration / Framing a Flag

Post by MartyD »

Wow

Thanks for those who viewed and provided feedback on this question.

I have read and will re-read over weekend to fully reflect. Needless to say very useful input.

I now appreciate the possibility complexity of the job and may simply offer the customer advice rather than take on work.

I will keep the forum updated on further developments.

Regards

MartyD
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