Written by Taking photographs for the Collection ready for loading to the ArtUK website is taking time. One of the reasons for this is the processes involved in getting items fit and ready for our photographer Ian.
The item pictured is a beautiful whitework item by St Osyth Wood (a talented and interesting embroiderer). When the team unwrapped the item, they found as you can see a stain on the front and gummy tape on the back of the item.
To remove the stain, water and baking soda (bicarbonate) was carefully sprinkled onto the stained area. A cotton bud was used to gently rub away the stain and then the area was sprayed with water again to clear away and neutralise the baking soda. Note: this method should be used with caution when treating items with coloured thread – a test for colourfastness of the threads should be done first.
The gummy tape was removed using Zep De-Solv-it Sticky stuff remover (can be purchased from places like Tool Station, The Range, B&Q) and a new label was attached using a a couple of stitches to hold the label firmly but without damaging the item.
The now pristine, refreshed item is waiting in the queue for Ian to take its photo.
Anne Haigh, Trustee
Note: These images are ‘behind the scenes’ photos taken by Anne Haigh and not the finished photos from the photographer.
For details of the project, see our earlier news post: Digitising the Embroiderer’s Guild Collection