This treatment was a multi-step process that required extensive testing with different methods and waiting for the curing time. However, the result allows the owner the flexibility to wear the piece, knowing that the repair was conservation-safe and reversible.
Before: notice the rip along the seam and into the jacket.
After: the rip has been repaired and secured.
I just finished working on another special piece: a torn rain jacket from the 1980s.
This jacket has a special story; it was given to the owner by her grandmother and worn on a family vacation in Ireland.
The jacket was torn while the owner was riding a bike in Ireland, and she hoped for a conservation repair. She wanted it repaired so that she could wear it again while also preserving its historical integrity and ensuring its longevity.
Some common repairs would allow the jacket to be worn again, but they may not ensure the garment's longevity. Conservation considers not only the repair itself but also how the repair can extend the object's life. Is the repair reversible? Is it the safest, least invasive option? Will it extend the garment's lifespan?
Treatment process: First a conservation vacuum was used on the outside and inside to remove any dust and particulate. Next, a mixture of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol were used to clean the work surface before repair. Then, the front tear near the zipper was stabilized with a piece of nylon netting. The netting was glued with acid-free glue to the inside of the tear and allowed to cure for 6 hours. The seam was then closed with the same conservation-safe glue, sandwiching the liner, the nylon underlay, and the outer layer, and allowed to cure for another 6 hours. A color-matched cotton thread was used to sew along the original seam for continuity and stability. Lastly, the seam was tested to ensure adhesion. Lastly, a small amount of glue was used to cover the seam of the treated area.
Would it be cheaper to buy a new jacket? Absolutely. Will a new jacket hold the memories of being worn in Ireland, knowing her grandmother wore it too? Absolutely not. Conservation may not be the cheapest option, but it is the one that preserves the memories.
If you have an object you'd like to preserve for future generations, contact Nickole here or send her an email at NickoleSwensen@gmail.com
Before
After