The Conservation and Display of Indian Textiles at the Victoria and Albert Museum

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the care and conservation of the Indian textile collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London. There are approximately 10,000 Indian textiles in the collection, encompassing a comprehensive range of textile and costume manufacturing techniques and historical periods. The principles of conservation, which underpin the treatment of all objects, are discussed, and the importance of understanding the causes of deterioration to assess condition. Preventive conservation is stressed, including maintaining stable environmental conditions, good housekeeping and integrated pest management, and rotation of light sensitive objects. Exhibiting textiles at the V&A is a collaborative effort in which the conservator works with curators, designers, technicians, scientists, registrars, and exhibition organizers to realize the display. Drawing from the preparation of Indian textiles and costume for permanent and temporary display the conservator's role in object research, including scientific investigation are discussed and the importance of understanding context and object interpretation particularly regarding display. Common conservation issues and treatment solutions are examined through case studies. Topics include surface cleaning, humidification, wet and solvent cleaning, stabilization and support methods. Finally, strategies for the handling and display of Indian textiles and costume, which can be very large, embellished, and heavy, are discussed.