Uniform jackets such as Alexander McLean's WWI wool service coat, can be cleaned, stabilized, mounted (as seen above) and framed for display behind UV-filtering acrylic. Courtesy private client.

Uniforms are often preserved alongside other artifacts relating to the former owner. MTS also cleans, stores, & creates display solutions for non-textile items.

​If display is not your goal, we can create an archival window box to allow you to see your uniform and share it with others while preserving it for future generations.

Uniforms

From coats to caps to cravats, uniforms run the gamut of materials, styles and historical significance. Whether military, civil service or geared for performances, MTS provides historical research, technical analysis, cleaning, repairs, and display solutions for all kinds of uniforms. 

Preserving a uniform means illuminating the story of its wearer as well as the garment's significance. Cleaning aims to reduce deterioration products without erasing evidence of conflict and use. The City of Gloucester, MA, is the custodian of a tattered wool coat (below) given by an African-American to Albert William Bacheler, who escaped the infamous Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia, before reuniting with the northern army. Bacheler went on to earn a degree from Dartmouth College and served as principal of Gloucester High School in the late 19th century. 

The Gloucester coat after conservation (above) and as it was framed for nearly 100 years (below).

The bicorn hat, or chapeau de bras, of Maj. Gen. Fitz-John Porter on a custom display/storage mount. Courtesy New Hampshire Historical Society.

The WWII military collection of Max W. Krell consisted of thirteen uniforms items and dozens of other artifacts from his service in the 8th Air Force, 96th Bombardment Group. MTS created custom Andover Figures mannequins to create vignettes that told the story of the lives of service people and their families in times of war. 

Courtesy private client.

When necessary, we can also fumigate uniforms impacted by mold/mildew, and refer you to an anoxic fumigation bubble to eradicate insect activity prior to conservation.