An investigation into conservation treatment methodologies for Golden Tangram, a Lucienne Day silk mosaic

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken to develop a methodology to treat Golden Tangram, a Lucienne Day silk mosaic mounted on a backing board with what is now very degraded adhesive. The client brief was to identify the adhesive and recommend a method to remove it.
A literature review of adhesive identification and removal and the cleaning of multi-layered textiles was undertaken. Solubility testing and FTIR analysis were used to characterise the adhesive, which was most likely cellulose-nitrate based. This could continue to deteriorate and degrade Golden Tangram so removal was recommended.
Removal methods tested included immersion, using a vacuum suction table, and different poultices. A poultice method was developed that allows for soiling to be ‘feathered out’ without using a transparent poultice medium. Two treatment options were proposed: 1) using the ‘feathering’ poultice technique, and 2) using the same technique followed by immersion cleaning.
The construction of multi-layered textiles affects the direction of the solubilised soiling - patchwork construction promotes movement through the layers rather than laterally. Both immersion and poultice treatments can be suitable for multi-layered textiles, but vacuum suction tables are less suitable due to the lack of contact time with the solvent and potential for distortion.