We have a very large quilt, coverlet, and textile collection and just refurbed
a storage area to be devoted to it. New HVAC, a large examination table, and
compact shelving were installed.
For storage, we folded each quilt and padded the folds out with acid-free
tissue paper. The quilts had been folded and hung previously, so we were careful to
refold where there were no creases. Particularly fragile quilts got extra tissue and padding.
For smaller, thinner quilts we put two to a box,
but most went into their own (acid-free, from Hollinger). Four boxes fit on each
shelf, and the compact shelving works very well. We have room for every quilt and coverlet,
plus room to grow. The plan is to refold in about three years, but it's a huge task as we have
well over three hundred quilts and coverlets. It will depend on whether we have the manpower!
We do have rolled storage for bedrugs and some other, similar objects. The objects
are rolled facing inward on a cardboard cylinder that has been wrapped first with acid-free
tissue paper or muslin. The objects are then covered in a muslin wrap and the ends are tied
with twill tape.
Genevieve Ellerbee
Associate Registrar
Daughters of the American Revolution Museum
Washington, DC
202-628-1776 x331
-----Original Message-----
From: Kathy Last [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2003 10:21 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Term paper question - antique quilts
Hi there!
Well, not only am I working on a paper for collaboration, I am also working
on one in regard to the care and collection management of antique quilts
(my first love).
I have been reading several books on this subject and just about everyone
says something a little bit different.
Most all agree that flat storage is the best. However, this is not always
possible due to space constraints. This is where the question comes
in: of the books I've read, they each have their own scenario as to what
is the next best thing for storing quilts.
1) Rolling the quilt with the design to the center so that it is less
tension on the stitches. (They all talk of making sure that the quilt is
rolled onto a 3-5" thick tube and put in some type of sleeve to keep dust,
etc. off)
2) Rolling the quilt with the design to the outside so that if there are
any creases it will be on the backing and not the top
3) Folded storage because it causes the least amount of stress on the
quilt. Granted the stitches where the folds are will be stressed. (They
all suggest packing the folds with acid free paper so that it is not a
harsh fold.)
For those of you that work with antique quilts/textiles, what is your
method of storage and why do you prefer it??
Thanks for your input!
Kathy
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