Before treatment
Condition Before Treatment
Overall this piece was in poor structural condition due to acidic degradation caused by both the cardboard frame backing and dye degradation. This had led to significant tears and losses, overall weakening of the fibers, and discoloration. Therefore, this piece was in overall poor aesthetic condition. There were additionally two adhered and two stitched repairs, none of which were providing adequate structural support or aesthetic compensation for the piece.
Pair of Uncut Handkerchiefs
Scotland
1800
Historical Society of Haddonfield, NJ
Madder dye with iron mordant on cotton
This is a rectangular textile printed with two handkerchief designs commemorating the death of George Washington. The two handkerchief designs are separated by ¼” of unprinted area, where they were likely meant to be cut, and delineated by distinct borders. The proper right print is titled “THE DEATH of GENERAL WASHINGTON,” while that on the proper left is titled “THE TEARS of AMERICA.” On each print, there is a central circular scene (11” diameter) surrounded by boxes of text.
Few extant examples of both of the prints represented on this piece can be located, and no other example of the two together have been found. This piece provides an important insight into how copperplate-printed handkerchiefs were produced in the 1800s. They are key examples of American mourning art in its inception.
1. The textile was removed from its frame.
2. Following FTIR analysis and solubility testing, previous repairs were removed.
3. Colorimetry readings were taken before testing.
4. A surrogate textile was bathed using the phytate method to test its efficacy and safety.
5. The textile was cleaned using an Orvus/citrate solution followed by the phytate treatment.
6. The textile was fully aligned.
7. It was backed using silk crepeline coated with 4% Klucel G.
8. Significant losses were filled using cotton painted with acrylic (BT).
9. The fills were adhered to the lining (AT).
After treatment
Condition After Treatment
The textile is now in good physical condition. All tears are now in alignment, and the textile may now be safely handled due to the presence of the crepeline lining. It is in good chemical condition. Testing using bathophenanthroline indicator papers determined that excess iron (II) ions are no longer present in the dyed areas. Additionally, the phytate treatment should significantly slow further production of iron (II) ions, which drive cellulosic deterioration. The textile is also significantly less acidic, with an overall pH of roughly 6.6. The textile is now in fair to good aesthetic condition. Large and disfiguring areas of loss are now filled, resulting in a more cohesive design. However, the overall discoloration was not affected by wet cleaning. Further testing may suggest that this color was applied intentionally.
Images courtesy and copyright of Evan Krape and the Historical Society of Haddonfield, NJ