Our client’s Chinese carved diorama from the nineteenth century is one of the most delightful items I’ve had the pleasure to treat. It is a pavilion over water, with big rocks with large trees of varying sorts along the base. … Continue reading
Continuing from our first post on crewelwork and cleaning Frances Normandin’s beautiful crewel-worked textile circa 1930-1940, and our second on dyes and color choices: The process of infill and stabilization began. Remember that there were two to three repair yarn … Continue reading
This beautiful crewel-worked textile circa 1930-1940 is a family heirloom, a stunning example of good design and perfect execution. Frances Normandin, great-grandmother to our clients, designed the brilliant layout and worked the piece, a depiction of their family farm house … Continue reading
This Victorian firescreen, circa 1890-1910, is a family heirloom, created from petitpoint, needlepoint, and cross-stitching, quite lovely when new. Originally it might have attached to a wooden or metal stand, standing in front of a fireplace to shield the family … Continue reading
Rule #1: When in doubt, ask a conservator before proceeding. Most conservators will offer assessments at a low rate, and an hour of their time might save your heirloom. You can find a conservator in the USA here: https://www.culturalheritage.org/about-conservation/find-a-conservator A … Continue reading
Okay, I am giving it away. My super secret cleaning tool. Q-tips Brand Cotton swabs and elbow grease. Sometimes, a bit of distilled water. That’s it. I cleaned the entire Marguerite McLoughlin Chinese Lacquer Sewing Cabinet using 10,000 Q-tips. Why … Continue reading
