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Textiles

Photograph of textile conservator working on three hanging robes on display

About


The National Gallery of Australia’s Textile Conservation team cares for a diverse range of textiles; including couture fashion, large tapestries, ancient burial textiles, Ballet Russes costumes, Asian ceremonial cloths and 3D sculptural installations.

Textile conservators have the privilege of handling and examining works of art in detail using various analytical techniques to determine how they have been designed and constructed. This scientific examination is fully documented and assists the conservator in understanding how the textile might behave during treatment and how it may deteriorate in the future.

Maintaining the intent and artistic vision of the artist along with any cultural requirements underpins textile conservation treatments at the NGA. These vary considerably depending on the fragility and stability of the textile fibres and may involve combinations of aqueous or solvent based stain removal, washing, stitching and adhesive restoration. Applications of any new materials during treatment must be identifiable as new, and easily reversible.

Providing safe storage and supports whilst on display with the use of archival materials is an important factor in prolonging the life of a textile object. Individual supports and coverings are made within custom built storage boxes and mannequins are constructed to fit unique body shapes.

Close up photograph of conservator fixing colourful textile on table

Conservation work being undertaken on Punjab region, India or Pakistan, Ceremonial cover or woman’s head-covering [phulkari], mid 20th century, Gift of Claudia Hyles, 2006

Two women examine a sequinned garment laying flat on a table in a conservation lab

Textile conservator and curator examine DI$COUNT UNIVER$E (fashion house), 'I am not sorry, I am not for sale, I am not for reproduction', embellished slip, 2018, from the 2019 Spring collection WOMEN, gift of the artists 2020

Photograph of two conservators observing deflated balloon on the grass.

Patricia Piccinini, Skywhalepapa, 2019-2020, Commissioned with the assistance of The Balnaves Foundation 2019. Purchased 2020.

Close up photograph of textile conservator fixing red material
Photograph of kimonos being attended to by textile conservators.

Installation view of Meiji period (1868-1912), Robe [kimono], early 20th century, Purchased 1996.

Photograph of pink Chanel suit being fixed by conservators and photographed

Gabrielle Chanel for Chanel, Woman's three-piece suit, c1966, Gift of Mrs AJ Powell 1993

Photograph of black dress on mannequin being photographed behind the scenes

Issey Miyake, Woman's 'Flying saucer' ensemble, Spring-Summer 1994, Purchased 1997.

Related


Conservation

a man using cleaning tools to perform conservation on a painting in a laboratory

The Gallery's Conservation Department ensures the legacy of the national collection via the long-term preservation of works of art.

Exhibition

Life, Death & Magic
2000 Years of Southeast Asian Ancestral Art

Gold ceremonial ear pendant, two warrior figures wielding spears and shields lie on either side of a diamond shaped central shape.

13 Aug 2010—31 Oct 2010

Asian Art

Indonesian Textiles

A richly coloured woven textile, in purple, orange, green and deep blue with gold thread patterened embellishments. Pictures depict dancers in traditional Balinese dress.

The National Gallery holds one of the richest public collections of Indonesian textiles in the world.

Paper

The Gallery's Paper Conservation team incorporates Mountcutting and Framing and is responsible for the conservation and preparation of works on paper.

Contacts

A list of key and general staff contacts across the Gallery.

#AskaConservator: 2020

A team of conservators in the conservation lab

Our conservators have answered some of the questions you posed on 2020 Ask a Conservator Day.

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Yuuma, Gurruburri

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