Painting on silk

Trevor Burrowes <trevoroc [at] pacbell__net> writes

>The following is posted on behalf of someone who is not on the list.
>
>An early 20th(?) century Indian painting on silk (43cm x 58cm) has
>been damaged by acid-based cardboard backing. Moisture on the
>cardboard backing (most likely) caused spots (2 areas, 2mm each,
>and other tiny spots) on the silk. Within the stained areas, there
>are two small holes (about 1 cm, each).
>
>Can anyone recommend ways to (a) remove discoloring caused
>by the backing, and (b) ways to "mend" the small holes?

Without looking at the silk it is impossible to determine whether or
not it would be a candidate for wet cleaning.  Wet cleaning (if it
can be done) would likely remove some of the acid stains which are
causing the deterioration.  However, a qualified Textile Conservator
should make that assessment.  With regards to the small holes, I
would suggest a backing method, either two small patches on the back
side or an entire panel (depending on the size and the weight of the
silk).  The historic textile can be secured to the patches or
backing using a 2-ply "hair" silk thread of a suitable colour, using
a #12 sharp needle.

Gail Niinimaa, Textile Conservator, Calgary



                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 13:44
               Distributed: Wednesday, February 16, 2000
                       Message Id: cdl-13-44-018
                                  ***