4049 - Preserving Vintage Textiles

Course Description

Persian, Textile, 1600s. Bequest of Miss Lucy T. Aldrich. Courtesy of the RISD Museum.

Join the RISD Museum's textile conservators for an immersive look at the basics of caring for historic garments and textiles. Through discussion, hands-on projects and behind-the-scenes visits to the museum, you will explore how to identify, store, display and prolong the lifespan of these important pieces of our material history. To preserve your own vintage garments and fabrics, you'll learn many effective, free and inexpensive methods and materials to use, including which pieces to hang versus box horizontally, and which home locations have the best environmental conditions for storage. You will also find out which damage-causing materials to avoid (plastic garment bags/wrapping, acidic tissue paper, etc.). You will have the opportunity to work with your own objects or samples supplied for the class. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary; this course is open to anyone with an interest in textiles.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Animation : Electives
• Graphic Design : Electives
• Interactive Design : Electives
• Jewelry Making + Design : Electives
• Natural Science Illustration : Electives
• Painting Studies : Electives
• Photography : Electives