Please consult with a costume conservator first before doing anything!
It may be too fragile to immerse in a water solution and could come
apart as aged natural fibres are much weaker in water than when dry.
Plus there was no mention of any coloured components that must be tested
for fastness first. Please no exposure to sunlight! This museum artifact
only has a certain amount of time - don't increase it's rate of
deterioration by blasting it with sunlight (whoa! way more than the
recommended 5 footcandles!). Please don't decrease or increase its pH by
applying lemon juice or ammonia - remember that low and high pH are to
be avoided because (start the chorus here) it increases the rate of
deterioration also. Don't use Woolite - it contains perfumes that will
be left behind which will (start the chorus again!) increase the rate of
deterioration.
To locate a costume conservator in your area, please contact the
American Institute of Conservation for a free (yes, free!) referral
(their website is http://aic.stanford.edu - click on Selecting A
Conservator); phone (202)452-9545. And remember that the best course of
action for this christening gown may be to take no action (except to
handle, store and display it correctly).
Meg Geiss-Mooney
Costume/Textile Conservator
Professional Associate, AIC
Northern California

Laura Pelton-Sweet wrote:
>
> I forgot - for that strange yellowed look that comes with age:
>
> This may be the result of the original owner using bluing to clean the
> garment. To remove the yellow caused by bluing, lemon juice and salt work
> well. I'd mix either one with water and then apply to the garment. Rinse
> well. If you feel comfortable sun-drying the dress (spread out flat) for a
> short period, that would help too.
>
> Laura
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Christine Dwyer <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, October 24, 2000 12:02 PM
> Subject: Baby Clothes
>
> > Hello All,
> >
> > We have a baby's christening gown, circa 1850, made of cotton and lace.
> The
> > cotton is quite thin and has yellowed.  Any suggestions on how to clean
> it?
> > Many thanks.
> >
> >
> > Christine M. Dwyer, Director
> > Stanly County Museum
> > & Historic Preservation Commission
> > 245 East Main Street, Albemarle, NC 28001 USA
> > (704) 986-3777   (704) 986-3778 fax
> > www.co.stanly.nc.us/Departments/Museum/index.htm
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
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