Early 19th-century silk dress before cleaning, after cleaning, and after stabilization and mounting. Manikin by Astrida Schaeffer.

Because of its complex three-dimensional construction, disparate materials, and often rigorous use, costume presents its own unique set of challenges to the textile conservator. Whether it is to be worn by successive generations or saved for posterity, a conservation-quality display and storage are a must for historic costume.

This torn hem was difficult to repair because of the many-tiered and lined construction. A patch was placed behind the tears and was stitched entirely around the hem.

This dress was displayed in front of a window in a historic house on a wooden T-bar. Working with Museum Textile Services, the staff learned to retro-fit their T-bars for proper support and moved the costume further from the window.

We are experts in designing exhibition mounts and costume storage systems for these complex and often delicate objects. Most store manikins and dress forms can be retro-fit for safe use. We can also build you a custom-made ethafoam ® manikin for less cost than a most generic archival forms. A custom form means that the costume always fits right and can be dressed again and again without damage and additional fitting.