Textile conservation is a more active approach that involves direct physical intervention to stabilize or repair objects that have already suffered damage. This may include treatments such as cleaning, repairing, stabilizing structural issues, or carefully restoring object components 

While textile preservation focuses on minimizing risks and slowing deterioration over time. It is considered the most effective and efficient way to ensure the long-term preservation of an object. This approach involves actions such as risk assessments, establishing care and handling protocols, and creating guidelines for storage, display, transport, and environmental condition.

At Heritage Textile Conservation, Nickole follows the American Institute for Conservation Ethical guidelines to ensure treatment is ethical and effective while providing the highest level of care and respect. This includes treatments that uphold the integrity, cultural value, and aesthetics of the object. 

Textiles are a general term for anything made of cloth or fabric. For example: modern or historic clothing; accessories such as scarves, purses, and hats; quilts; coverlets; doll clothing; stuffed animals; cultural or religious garments like baptismal gowns; needlework; tapestries; basically anything that is cloth or fabric-related.

Each textile tells its own story, and each conservation project requires an individualized approach. Costs vary depending on the condition, materials, size, and complexity of treatment needs of each object. No two projects require the same approach.

Following an initial consultation and examination, I provide a treatment recommendation along with a clear discussion of expected time and cost. I believe in open communication and will always discuss financial considerations before conservation work begins. (See a breakdown of the steps to work together in the next FAQ.)

Professional textile conservation is an investment in preserving the historical, cultural, and personal significance of your textile for future generations. Thoughtful, ethical treatment helps stabilize fragile materials, slow deterioration, and ensures your textile can be safely cared for well into the future.

1. To start, please fill out this contact form, and Nickole will be in touch to arrange a time to discuss your object.

2. If you're local to Des Moines, Iowa, or the surrounding area, Nickole will first meet with you to discuss your object. If you're outside of the area, we will meet via Zoom to discuss your options. 

3. The initial consultation is free. During this consultation, Nickole will discuss your goals and verbally assess the object's condition, treatment time, and cost estimates.

4. All costs are based on an hourly rate and include the materials necessary to achieve your goals.

5. A deposit, based on a percentage of the total estimated cost, is requested upon approval of the treatment to hold your spot in the treatment queue.

6. With your approval of the estimates, Nickole will then take the object back to her conservation lab, where she will begin the work. 

7. At this time, a full condition and treatment report is prepared for you; this involves a flat fee for the comprehensive report. 

8. Treatment work begins once your object is next in Nickole's conservation queue. At Heritage Textile Conservation, Nickole follows the American Institute for Conservation's ethical guidelines.

9. When treatment on your piece is complete, you'll be notified and receive an invoice for the remaining charges minus the deposit. Once payment is received, we will arrange pickup or shipment of your object.

At Heritage Textile Conservation, Nickole collaborates with individuals and cultural institutions that have textiles they wish to preserve or conserve.

Yes! Rather than an in-person consultation, we will meet via Zoom to discuss your options and arrange for the shipment of your item to my conservation lab.