Or could they be barkcloth?  It would probably be a good idea to have
someone with textile expertise check them for you.

Candace Perry

 

  _____  

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of FM Jacinto
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2014 11:02 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Cleaning 1950s Drapes

 

Sara,

 

If you are talking about drapes authentic to the 1950s you are likely
talking about fiberglass.  Poly didn't appear in most household products
until the late 60s.  Older rayon would be a concern regarding drastic
shrinkage and shredding.

 

In that era fiberglass was washed by hand in laundry power or dish soap and
hung to dry.  With all the exposure to the sun the fibers may now be too
brittle for anything other than a gentle bath.  I don't speak as a fabrics
expert, rather as one with practical knowledge.  Is it possible to send a
close-up photo?

 

FrannMarie Jacinto

 

 

On Jan 24, 2014, at 8:55 AM, Sara Pfannkuche wrote:





Hello Museum-L! I am on the Curation Committee for the Laurent House, a
Frank Lloyd Wright house in Rockfrod, Illinois that will open as a museum on
June 8. We are finishing up some work on the house (new roof, cleaning
woodwork, adding UV filters on the windows) and will be bringing the
furniture and drapes back in soon. My question, how would you recommend
cleaning the drapes. They are NOT cotton, but seem to be made with a
rayon/polyester fabric. We do not believe the original drapes were ever
washed (the house was inhabited 1952 through 2012) and we would like to do
something to clean them due to the built up grime which is noticeable. Any
suggestions on the proper way to clean them? 

 

Thanks for your wisdom!

 

Sara Pfannkuche

Curation Committee

Laurent House

 

 

  _____  

To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link:
http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-HOME.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L
<http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-HOME.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1> &A=1







 


  _____  

To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link:
http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-HOME.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L
<http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-HOME.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1> &A=1 


=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).