Mounting
A mount is a rigid support such as a ragboard or archival panel that is encased in a neutral fabric envelope. The antique textile is then sewn to the mounting fabric. This reduces movement and flexing of the textile, thus damage is less likely to occur. Typically, the mount is then framed, further protecting the antique textile. If original and historically pertinent mounting elements are intact, and if it is possible, these mounting elements will be reworked for use with the conserved textile.
A mount is a rigid support such as a ragboard or archival panel that is encased in a neutral fabric envelope. The antique textile is then sewn to the mounting fabric. This reduces movement and flexing of the textile, thus damage is less likely to occur. Typically, the mount is then framed, further protecting the antique textile. If original and historically pertinent mounting elements are intact, and if it is possible, these mounting elements will be reworked for use with the conserved textile.
A sampler being hand-stitched to a fabric covered ragboard
in preparation for framing.
Three dimensional textiles can also be prepared for safe display on custom-designed forms. Padded mounts, Plexiglas forms, mannequins and carved Ethafoam shapes can all be created to give internal support to the object while on exhibit or in storage.
Internal shaping was required to display this Torah mantle.