Good afternoon, MuseumLers – In order to eliminate the guess-work, I suggest you locate a textile conservator in the neighborhood who can take itty bitty samples of the warp and weft of the drapes (as well as any sewing threads) and have the conservator identify the different components using optical microscopy. If the conservator has a polarized light microscope, it is possible to identify even the synthetics usually. The professional organization for conservators, AIC, has a free online referral service at:

http://tinyurl.com/findaconservator

I suggest you first click on the “Advance Search” button in order to refine your initial search. You will get the largest number of responses when you enter the zip code for your location by entering the largest number of miles. Click on “Textiles” under the ‘Select the type of conservation’.  

The cleaning possibilities in this situation must be guided by the fibre content. There is a big difference in what can be done safely for drapes made out of fiberglass fibre and what can be done for drapes that have a rayon fibre component. It might be that only a careful and thorough vacuuming can be done. The appropriate personnel safety precautions need to be taken if indeed the drapes are made from fiberglass fibre.

Please do not hesitate to contact me off-list if you have any further questions or need further clarification.    

Regards, 

Meg 

.   _  _  _  _  _  _  _   _  _   ___________    

Margaret E. Geiss-Mooney    

Textile/Costume Conservator &   

Collections Management Consultant      

Workshops also offered on-site    

Professional Associate - AIC    

707-763-8694    

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