Connecting to Collections Care

I'm relatively new to preparing exhibits and would appreciate any advice or resources you all may have on preparing a dress for exhibit. We have a 1940s WAC day dress that we are hoping to place in an upcoming exhibit. However, the dress is significantly wrinkled. Is there a safe and proper way to help relax the dress's material back into its natural shape? We're not concerned about dyes running; is steaming an option?

I would appreciate any comments and suggestions you all can provide.

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Stephanie Yeamans
Collections/Museum Specialiast
Los Alamos Historical Society
Los Alamos
United States
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Hi Stephanie,

I've referred your question to a few textile conservators, and hopefully I'll return with an answer shortly. For now, here are a few resources for related information.

From the C2CCare webinar archive:

Live Question and Answer Session on Storage and Handling of Textiles

Notes from the Home Front: Care & Handling of Heirloom Textile Collections

Mounting Garments for Display

Much Ado About Mannequins: Making the Perfect Form

Appendix K of the NPS Museums Handbook, Curatorial Care of Textile Objects, also has a lot of background information that may be useful.

Thanks and more soon,

Rebecca

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Rebecca Smyrl
Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
Library & Archives Conservator
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Hi Stephanie,

I heard from a textile conservator who thinks, based on the info you've provided, that steaming could be an option. However, she'd like to learn more about the dress so that she can advise more definitively about what techniques would be appropriate. She said she'd be happy to have a phone chat with you about the details, so I will message you separately with her contact info. 

If you'd be willing to come back and share what you end up deciding to do and what factors go into your decision, I'm guessing that there are others here who might also find the information useful.

Thanks,

Rebecca

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Rebecca Smyrl
Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
Library & Archives Conservator
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