I am not a textile conservator.  However, from your description of a "window 
display" and a "pink coat," very likely Santa has suffered considerable 
light damage.  This results not only in loss of color, thus the pink instead 
of red coat, but in weakening of the fibers themselves in the coat and in 
the beard.  The ideal first step would be to identify the fibers.  Most 
textile conservators can do this easily under the microscope.  Then, with ID 
information, more specific recommendations can be made.  You will also have 
to make a determination of the strength of the fibers.  If they are 
adequately strong, cleaning can be attempted.  Usually, a first step is 
gentle low-suction vacuuming through a protective screen.  If the fibers are 
strong, and you have the proper equipment, this is something that you can do 
yourself.  However, if there is ANY sign of fiber loss or breakage, STOP. 
Other cleaning methods, such as wet, "dry," or solvent cleaning, should not 
be attempted unless done by a conservator.  I have seen light-damaged 
textiles that literally are in shreds after such a process is attempted by 
inappropriate methods.  Definitely check with a textile conservator for 
advice.  Are any out there listening?

Marc

American Conservation Consortium, Ltd.
     4 Rockville Road
     Broad Brook, CT 06016
     www.conservator.com
     860-386-6058

*Collections Preservation Consultation
*Conservation Assessments & Surveys
*Low-Tech Environmental Control
*Moisture Management Solutions
*Collections in Historic Structures
*Conservation Treatment of:
     Furniture
     Painted Wood
     Horse-Drawn Vehicles
     Architectural Interiors

Marc A. Williams, President
     MS in Art Conservation, Winterthur Museum Program
     Former Chief Wooden Object Conservator, Smithsonian Institution
     Fellow, American Institute for Conservation (AIC)


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris Taylor" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2007 2:09 PM
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Cleaning antique Santa with wool beard


> I'm looking for some suggestions on how to clean an antique mechanically 
> animated Santa. It was one that was a window display into the 1940s and 
> 1950s.
>
> It has a pink velvet like coat that needs some cleaning but the main thing 
> is the beard - my knowledgeable local craft people tell me the beard is 
> wool - I wasn't sure myself - but they seem positive and all three people 
> have immediatly told me the same answer.
>
> This was stored in an open room for years before we received it and the 
> beard is pretty grey and dingy looking, we have used it for temporary 
> display during the holiday season, but it is looking pretty poor and would 
> like to take the grime out before next season and then build it a nice 
> case to the dust out in the future.
>
> Any suggestions on how to clean this - the beard is attached but the coat 
> can be removed- ?
>
> Thanks in advance for any help.
>
> Chris Taylor
> Executive Director
> Atchison County Historical Society
> P.O. Box 201
> 200 S. 10th Street, Santa Fe Depot
> Atchison, KS 66002
> 913-367-6238
> [log in to unmask]
> www.atchisonhistory.org
>
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