STORAGE OF EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY WOMEN’S COSTUMES AT THE KENT STATE UNIVERSITY MUSEUM

 
 
 
 

STORAGE OF EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY WOMEN’S COSTUMES AT THE KENT STATE UNIVERSITY MUSEUM


Title: STORAGE OF EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY WOMEN’S COSTUMES AT THE KENT STATE UNIVERSITY MUSEUM
Author: Mehta, Archana
Description: The main objective of this thesis was to evaluate and reorganize the storage of the eighteenth-century women’s costumes at the Kent State University Museum (KSUM). Initially all the eighteenth-century women’s costumes – gowns, bodices, petticoats, and stomachers – were hung on hangers and stored within a single wardrobe unit, which caused compression, stress, and abrasion. The primary plan of this project was to spread the costumes into two wardrobes and to develop a hanging mechanism for the gowns whereby they were not just suspended from the shoulders but could also be supported at the waist. In order to develop an efficient and effective storage solution for these costumes, I visited eight museums to interview their curators and gain first-hand knowledge of various storage techniques currently in use. I evaluated recommendations made by museum curators, conservators, and published experts. I also examined catalogues of archival storage products to determine what was available for the storage of costumes and textiles. Thus I was able to compare and evaluate various storage techniques. Since this project was mostly about the storage of eighteenth-century women’s silk costumes, I also delved into the history of eighteenth-century women’s costumes and silk textiles including weighted silks. Each eighteenth-century women’s costume, at the KSUM, was carefully examined to assess its condition so as to determine a suitable storage method. Some costumes had to be stabilized before they were put back in storage. A hanging method was developed distinctive for each costume such that a complete ensemble –gown, stomacher, and petticoat – could be stored together. Dustcovers were made for all costumes and included provisions for the storage of stomachers and various trims. Labels stitched on each dustcover provided information on each garment and made them easily accessible. The garments were stored in two wardrobe units. The storage technique thus incorporated was simple, easy, and relatively inexpensive for other museums, with limited space and budgets, to follow.
Permanent Link: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1185477321
http://hdl.handle.net/2374.OX/4003
Date: 2007

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