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Father Serra's Chasuble Undergoes Conservation
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The outer-most vestment worn by bishops and
priests at Mass, the chasuble is cut in the fiddle shape typical
of the eighteenth century and made from two different fabrics:
a polychrome silk brocade lined with a bright greenish-yellow
linen. |
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The chasuble before it was taken out of the
display case.
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The chasuble was not displayed in a proper
manner, causing physical stress on the garment and resulting
in a deep crease that ran the full length of the center front.
In time, this deep crease could have caused the fabric to
split.
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There was no barrier between the wood hanger
and the chasuble, thus exposing the garment to damaging acidic
vapors, which could yellow the fabric and make it brittle.
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Before
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Cara Varnell, a textile conservator, carried out the treatment,
which included the following tasks: surface cleaning with
soft brushes and a low-suction vacuum; creating a support
for an area of loss; and humidifying and flattening the
creases on the front of the chasuble.
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After
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Generally, historic textiles are displayed
for short periods of time to minimize exposure to light, which
can cause colors to fade and fibers to become brittle. Mission
conservators are assessing the collection of vestments in
storage to create a rotating display of historic textiles.
The conservators will use a padded hanger in lieu of wood,
and will pad out folds and support the garment in order to
avoid permanent creasing and distortion from physical stress.
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