Wicker and Silk Flower Accessories
Patrick Kelly
America
1989
Polyester/spandex, Silk, Cotton, Willow (est.), Nylon (est.)
This ensemble consists of a long sleeve dress made from a polyester/spandex textured knit, velvet headband with wicker-work basket, and a wicker-work basket handbag. The neckline of the dress and both basket accessories are decorated with faux gardenias made of plain weave silk and cotton with green cotton leaves and wire stems. The basket accessories are further adorned with nylon machine lace.
Condition Before Treatment
The dress itself is in good condition. The flower and lace adornments, however, were creased and stained. In some areas, the wire attachments on the leaves are detached or exposed.
Stain and Crease Reduction
A variety of stain reduction methods were tested, including Agarose gels and chelators applied with poultices or directly with a brush. A 1% (w/v) solution of EDTA applied directly with a brush was found to be most effective in reducing stains on both the lace and flowers. It was applied and allowed to dry before being rinse with water. The area was then dried between blotters.
Creasing was reduced using both physical manipulation and local application of moisture using a preservation pencil.
Accessories, After treatment, Padded for travel
Condition After Treatment
The treatment significantly improved the aesthetic condition of the flower and lace adornments. The disfiguring grime and staining were reduced, the loose components were stabilized, and the creasing and distortions were reduced.
Each object was rehoused and padded with custom Tyvek cushions to prevent further distortions of the flowers during travel as part of the exhibition “Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love.”
Images courtesy and copyright of the Philadelphia Museum of Art