Can you afford to hire a conservator?  The assessment alone might be
relatively inexpensive worth your while at least for insurance purposes
if the piece will be exhibited for 2 years (which is a long time for a
textile piece).  Are you considering re-framing the piece?  Definitely a
job for a trained textile conservator.  There are numerous conservators
in New England (including New York state)...

Pat Roath
Historic Costume Care
[log in to unmask]

Farar P. Elliott wrote:
>
> Could someone take pity on a non-conservator (and on the object in
> question)?  What is the proper way to assess the condition of and prepare
> for temporary exhibition an 18th century sampler that has been framed
> under glass in someone's home for the last 50 years.  It is a loan object
> destined for a two month stay in an exhibition chez nous.
>
> Many thanks.
>
> Farar Elliott
>
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