Good afternoon, MuseumLers - Any type of glazing in intimate contact with
the silk complicates (in a negative way, of course) the condition of the
silk (creation of micro-climates; chemical interaction between the molecules
of the glazing and the molecules of the silk/dyes; physical pressure; etc.).
Therefore, any type of glazing should be kept raised above the surface of
the silk - the amount of distance above the surface must be guided by the
current physical condition of the silk (is the 110 year old silk fibre
brittle and fragile, already powdering, from being exhibited long term). My
preference is to use acrylic glazing (UV filtering if your budget allows for
it) because of its resistance to breakage and its lighter weight.  

I suggest you have a textile conservator take a look and make specific
recommendations (can also safely unframe the silk wall hanging). The
professional organization we conservators belong to, AIC, has a free online
referral service at:      

http://tinyurl.com/findaconservator

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 and also
click on the button to get you conservators willing to travel.      

Please do not hesitate to contact me off-list if there are any further
questions or need further clarification.    
Regards,  
Meg   
.   _  _  _  _  _  _  _   _  _   ___________     
Margaret E. Geiss-Mooney     
Textile/Costume Conservator &    
Collections Care/Management Consultant     
Workshops and Lectures also offered on-site     
Professional Associate - AIC     
707-763-8694     
[log in to unmask]    

.. a silk wall hanging that has been framed under glass for decades and
exhibited in a historic house setting.  Later this year it will be removed
from its location in the house and placed on exhibit in one of our museum
galleries.  Prior to its relocation it will be reframed as the style and
appearance of the current frame have been deemed inappropriate.  I am trying
to determine if it is safe to replace the glass with Plexiglas during the
reframing process.  ...

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