Project Gallery
Client: Smith. Item: Japanese Embroidery with Cranes
Damage Repair
Disassemble
Jan 25, 2019
Acrylic cover removed from object.
Hepa-Vacuum
Jan 28, 2019
Brush vacuuming under screen on front
Disassemble
Jan 29, 2019
Turned embroidery onto front on table lined with two layers ethafoam and one layer tyvek, to facilitate removal from strainer. Running stitch holding lining and crepeline cut. Yellow silk lining cut in straight lines along stapled edge. Once revealed, a white synthetic batting fabric is visible between silk lining and strainer. This is stapled to the strainer so these areas cut around with scalpel also. To free corners, running stitch holding batting, lining, embroidery, and crepeline together cut, only in corners. Lining opened to allow removal of strainer. Five people held sandwich of ethafoam/tyvek/cardboard to flip it face up.Batting cut away and running stitch holding package together cut from the back to remove batting, but left in place to hold crepeline. Cut and positioned new lining fabric.
Testing
Jan 29, 2019
Klucel G 3% solution made in isopropyl. Testing on silk scraps showed this evaporated fastest and left no mark.
Disassemble
Jan 29, 2019
Hollytex strips laid on face. Stitches at bottom edge holding crepeline in place removed for next day removal in this area for consolidation.
Consolidation
Jan 30, 2019 - Feb 13, 2019
Threads consolidated with a 1:1 solution of methylcellulose in water and Klucel G in isopropyl alcohol
Testing
Feb 26, 2019 - Mar 8, 2019
Preparation of 4:1 Agarose gel with 1% Triton-X, vulpex, and tergitol, applied in 3 areas as tests for cleaning tide lines on silk. Continuation of agarose gels used for cleaning (2% triton-x in 4% solution). Gels removed and replaced with new gels of the same formula, with no signs of change. 6% agarose rigid gel with 2% surfactant (Triton-X 100) applied on tidelines. Left 1 hours with soft weight and 7 hours without weight. Prepared 5.5% agarose gel with 2% Triton-X 100. Applied gels to tidelines.
Surface Clean
Mar 21, 2019 - Mar 22, 2019
Applied 5.75% agarose gel with 2% triton x-100 and 1% Turgitol on the tidelines. The gels have been in contact with the object for 3 hours and then they were removed. A sandwich of silicone release paper, blotting paper, and another layer silicone release paper was positioned under and on top of embroider with a soft weight.
Consolidation
Mar 26, 2019
Consolidated with 1:1 solution of methylcellulose and Klucel G in isopropyl alcohol.
Surface Clean
Mar 27, 2019
Removing tidelines - using sandwich of silicone release, blotting paper, and pellon. One sandwich on top and one underneath. A light weight was positioned to allow an even and consistent pressure. Demineralized water was used to remove tideline.
Consolidation
Apr 1, 2019 - Apr 8, 2019
Consolidation with 1:1 methalcellulose and Klucel G in isopropyl alcohol. Additional cleaning of tidelines interspersed. Consolidated threads in moon/cloud region.
Hepa-Vacuum
Apr 8, 2019
Vacuumed original crepeline and replace on top of textile.
Hand Sewn Repairs
Apr 8, 2019 - May 6, 2019
Stitched in backward-looping stitch through all layers: crepeline, textile, silk lining, and cotton muslin lining. Sewed down silk and crepeline to muslin cloth and sewed cranes (needle and thread breaking silk fibers). Decided to elevate textile above table to reduce stress. Used methylcellulose to consolidate background as well as spray fixative.
Consolidation
May 6, 2019
General Cleaning
May 7, 2019 - May 9, 2019
Cleaned exterior of frame using 91% isopropyl alcohol applied with cotton swabs
General Cleaning
May 13, 2019
Removing black paint around the interior of the frame using acetone swabs. Dampen cotton with acetone and apply to surface, wrapped in cling film for 30 min to soften the binding agent.
Testing
May 13, 2019 - May 20, 2019
Gel solvents were tested and found ineffective. Tested NMP to remove paint layer. Also tested using Xylene and found an effect after 2 hours. Returned to using acetone on cotton and NMP.
General Cleaning
May 21, 2019 - May 22, 2019
Mechanically removed paint using porcupine quill.
General Cleaning
Jul 1, 2019
Removed paint: brushing on NMP, covering with plastic wrap, leave to soak for 30 min. Remove with fine 3M foam sandpaper. Cleaned residue with acetone.
General Cleaning
Sep 18, 2019 - Sep 19, 2019
Sanded black paint and gilt surfaces smooth.
Gilding
Oct 10, 2019 - Oct 29, 2019
Applied gold leaf to frame, filled voids, and burnished.
Retouching
Nov 20, 2019
Painted frame fillet black. Masked edge with post-it note. Mixed 2 drops flow improver with mars black golden acrylic (ÂĽ tsp). Brushed on frame. Removed mask, cleaned up edge with slightly damp brush. Completed painting fillet.
Testing
Nov 15, 2019
Varnish testing and preparation on metal leave. Varnish: 20 mL. Gamblin Galdehyde Resin, 10 mL Isopropyl Alcohol 90%, 2.5 mL fumed silica.
Varnish / Removal
Nov 15, 2019
Varnished metal leaf.
Testing
Nov 20, 2019
Tested varnish for black acrylic on fillet: Golden UVLS varnish, matte & satin. Used satin. 2 coats for most even coverage.
Varnish / Removal
Nov 20, 2019
Varnished fillet
Display Mount
Nov 22, 2019
Cut 2 B-flute blue boards, one to mount silk on, one to go behind silk. 3/16" smaller than dims of rabbat: 51 â…ž" x 25 15/16" Trimmed crepeline slightly outside edge of silk. Lint rolled, then vacuumed cotton lining. Mounted silk to blue board with Remay Tape.
Conditioner/Moisturizer
Nov 22, 2019
Conditioned, prayed with cyclomethicone/silk amines/lanolin