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STORING ANTIQUE LINEN and LACE

The Lace Museum Detroit adheres to principles of Cleaning & Storage as dictated by: 

The Victoria and Albert Museum: www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/c/cleaning-textiles

The Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute: http://www.si.edu/mci/

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Storing Antique Lace and Textiles

Storage areas should be clean, cool, dry, dark, and free from drastic changes in temperature. Textiles should be cleaned and stored un-ironed and un-starched. There should be no contact with tissue or paper. Paper tends to be acidic; acid is especially damaging to textiles. Instead, wrap textiles in clean, white cotton or muslin cloth. Textile fibers need to be in an environment where there is some air movement; the best place to store antique textiles is on top in a drawer.Textiles also should not be exposed to light because the natural cellulose fibers (cotton and linen) and animal fibers (silk and wool), of which most antique textiles are made, are damaged by the sun and indoor light fixtures. The ideal temperature is 65-70°F (18-21°C), with relative humidity between 40% and 50%.

The mid 18th century Goffering Machine was often used in the Laundry Rooms of very wealthy homes. This is like a Miniature Mangle with ribbed surfaces that, when used, gave linen a freshly frilled finish (below).

(photos are courtesy of Castle Ward, County Down of Northern Ireland). 

A Pine Flax Break, dated 1870, is one of the tools of Flax Processing. Later, after the Spinning stage is complete, the term flax linen is used, which eventually become Linen Thread (above)

Cantù Lace, similar to this fabulous framed piece below, is a Bobbin Lace that may have originated in Northern Italy.....It is often rich with scrolls and tendrils in the background. This piece offers an opulent and bold male figure - perhaps a Conquistador or Nobleman. The thread used is a relatively heavy oatmeal-hued Linen, circa 1900 (perhaps earlier) (below).

                                                                       The Museum holds rotating exhibits of Victorian and Edwardian Clothing.

Irish Linen, and Linen Thread is considered some of the very finest Linen in the world due, in large part, to the cool climate of Ireland that allows the finest Flax production. In the Victorian Era, Barbour's Thread was some of  the most well-know. (below).

Italian Lace artists in Florence produced the most exquisite an

 varied lace in the world. Not only did The Florence Lace 

Manufactory create Italian Lace, but French and English Lace

as well. (below).

English Lace-making Cookie-shape Pillow stuffed with Horse Hair in the process of designing Needle Lace Floral Medallions or Motifs, circa 1890 (above).

The Museum has available for purchase Antique/Vintage Clothing.

The Lace Museum, Detroit exhibits magnificent Victorian and Edwardian Era Table Linens, some of which are for sale.

The Lace Museum Detroit also has on exhibit a few very early sewing machines, such as this beautiful Willcox and Gibbs chainstitch sewing machine, circa 1890.

PHOTO GALLERY IN SEARCH OF LACE (below)

Mother and Daughter Mary and Elyse Salmon and colleagues Judy and Nancy traveling throughout Europe....IN SEARCH OF LACE....

Mother and Daughter, Mary and Elyse Salmon, and Judy Cogan.....American Women....IN SEARCH OF LACE

We traveled France, Holland, and precious Belgium this year 2018......watch for our upcoming articles in preparation for our book on the history and adventures IN SEARCH OF LACE 

PHOTO GALLERY IN SEARCH OF LACE (below)

Mother and Daughter Mary and Elyse Salmon and colleagues Judy and Nancy traveling throughout Europe....IN SEARCH OF LACE....

Paris, France; Brussels and Brugges, Belgium; Cantu and Milan, Italy; Valletta, Malta; Amsterdam...... 

(Calligraphy kindly provided by Belgian artist Calligrapher Yves Leterme, a professional calligrapher and lettering artist, ​living near the fair city of Bruges, Belgium).

The Lace Museum, Detroit: Proud Member of The International Organization of Lace, Inc., Great Lakes Lace Group Inc. and Kantcentrum Brugges, Belgium.

www.thelacemuseumllc.com        Curator: Mary Gen Salmon PH. 937. 681.7219  

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