Textile Treasures: Practical tips for looking after them. Part 1

Good Housekeeping Practices for Textiles

The Conservation team at The Postal Museum is involved in looking after the postal uniforms collection. Our collection consists of around 2000 items, including clothing accessories like hats, belts and gloves. The uniforms are housed either carefully folded in acid-free museum boxes or hanging inside protective covers. The current Dressed to Deliver exhibition showcases many of these historic uniforms, highlighting their development in the 19th and 20th centuries and how they adapted to the changing needs of postal workers while following mainstream fashion.

Telegram Messenger display at the Dressed to Deliver exhibition.

Textiles are associated with every aspect of our lives. We like to hold on to different types of textile items to keep our memories alive and pass on to the next generation. Protective storage and careful handling are essential for the long-term preservation of these belongings, especially if we choose to occasionally use or display them.

In this two-part blog, we will discuss the many ways that can prolong the life of textiles at home (whether is craft, art or clothing), as well as how to choose suitable storage containers.

Common textile fibres

Textiles are made from natural fibres (cotton, linen, wool, silk) or synthetic man-made fibres that are spun into yarn and then weaved, knitted or pressed together to form fabrics. The condition of a textile will vary according to its inherent fibre qualities, the natural ageing process, previous use and current condition. Cotton, linen and wool are very robust and stable fibres. Silk fibres are less robust and may not withstand wear and tear. The dyes used in their manufacture may be variably permanent. Modern textiles may contain various synthetic man-made fibres which can be chemically unstable. All fibres will deteriorate when stored in unfavourable conditions (such as warm, damp or bright areas in the house).

We can easily protect historic textiles from mishandling and the effects of the environment by adhering to some simple guidelines.

Chilean embroidered art that folds up into three sections. To the left, the four-flap enclosure that houses the piece, layered with acid-free tissue in-between. From the display Chilean Coup 50 years on, private loan.

Good housekeeping practices

Irreparable damage can be caused when textiles are left unchecked for long periods of time, so good housekeeping goes a long way in taking care of your items. Listed below are top tips on choosing the best place to store your textiles.

• The best location for storage is a cool, dark and dry room that routinely gets aired.
• Keep the surrounding area clean and check for insects at least twice a year at the change of seasons.
• Avoid storing your textiles in lofts or basements where dampness and pests are potential risks. In these spaces, mould and clothes moths can go unnoticed for longer periods of time.
• Make sure your storage boxes do not touch an external wall because the moisture from the brickwork will be directly drawn into the boxes. Always position them so that air can circulate around them.
• Avoid any areas that are near radiators. Natural fibres respond to changes in temperature and humidity by expanding and contracting, which can damage textile fibres.
• For displaying textiles, protect them from natural daylight and tube lighting. Light will affect the colour quality and can cause irreversible fading to many types of fabrics, for example delicate silks.

Uniform hanged storage in museum repository.

Learn more about how to conserve your textiles in part two of this blog, Textile Handling and Storage Practices, where we will discuss the best ways of handling and storing textiles.

Visit our exhibition Dressed to Deliver and learn more about the textiles and uniforms worn by postal workers through history.