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Bumpkin Bears Aug 31, 2006

Hi everyone,

I am hoping that some of you may have experience with antique clothes and be able to advise me.  I have got my Great Grandmother's wedding dress, so you can imagine how old it is!!  I remember my Granny showing it to me and saying that I would be the only one in the family ever small enough to fit into it!  It really is amazingly intricate with a beautiful top half with delicate lace and beautiful ivory satin with bead work and pearls on the neck and arm edges... incredible detail.  The skirt part of it is made of the same ivory satin but sadly there are quite a few thin splits in it and tears at the base, not sure if that is just the fabric deteriorating...?  I do not know what the best way is to preserve it, I am worried about it being damaged being folded up but was too worried to hang it up in case there was too much pressure on it!   Help I don't know what to do for the best, not sure if the best thing for it is to be in a museum to be sure that it truly is preserved?

I'll upload a few photos so you can see it - the photo of the top part is the best colour likeness, the skirt part is not as dark as in the photos - I was taking the photos in the loft!

Thanks for any advise,
Hugs
Catherine
x

Bumpkin Bears Aug 31, 2006

Thanks Melanie   The beaded and pearl detail on the top part is really amazing, doesn't show up so well in the photo.

bearlyart Aug 31, 2006

Catherine, that dress is exquisite!  I think I remember hearing that hanging an antique outfit is not a good idea.  I looked up some additional information and came across this site:

http://www.bustledress.com/z.pl/tips.html

Hope this helps!
Kelly

Chowlea Bears Aug 31, 2006

Catherine - have you tried contacting your local museum - they should have textile conservation department.

The following organisations are well known for their expertise.

http://www.royal-needlework.co.uk/

http://www.embroiderersguild.com/

I do silk embroidery work  which will  hopefully be heirlooms of the future.  I always roll (not fold) silk in layers of acid free tissue paper and keep it away from strong sunlight.
Do not use plastic/polythene bags - the fabric sweats and is then susceptible to mould and rotting.

Hope this helps a little.

Jennskains Aug 31, 2006

Store it in something black  so the light can not get too it.

Bumpkin Bears Sep 1, 2006

Thanks to you all for your advise  :hug: .  Kelly that link helped a lot and Sandra I have just sent an email to the embroiderers guild to ask their advise, so I'll be interested to know what they say.

Big Hugs
Catherine

Chowlea Bears Sep 1, 2006

I hope they will be able to help you - I'll feel stupid if - the first time I find I can help someone - I gave a less then helpful recommendation