Preserving the NZ AIDS Memorial Quilt
In this podcast textile conservator Rachael Collinge and textile conservation volunteer Anne Williams talk about the process of preserving the quilt panels. Special thanks to Te Papa for allowing us to visit and record in their conservation lab.
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Summary
In a podcast recorded at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, textile conservator Rachael Collinge and volunteer Anne Williams discuss the delicate task of preserving the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt. With interviewer Gareth Watkins, the duo sheds light on the intricate processes, challenges, and emotional aspects of their work in the conservation lab.
The recording begins with an explanation of a quilt panel called the "Eve quilt," dedicated to Eve van Grafhorst, and serves as a representation of the different challenges presented by these quilts. The quilts incorporate diverse materials ranging from conventional fabrics to unconventional components like plastic dolls, sequins, and various adhesives. These materials pose significant conservation issues, such as degradation, discoloration, and the release of volatile substances, which unfortunately have limited treatment options.
Collinge and Williams describe the efforts to extend the lifespan of the quilts while acknowledging the inevitability of material degradation. The immediate approach centers on non-intrusive methods such as photo documentation, surface cleaning with low-suction vacuums, and careful storage practices. Digital photography is particularly crucial in capturing the condition of the quilt panels, especially for the elements that are vulnerable to rapid deterioration.
One of the practical challenges they face is the storage of the quilts. While the ideal situation would be to store them flat, space constraints and the need for access lead to a compromise: quilts are folded and padded, and protective barriers are sometimes placed between degrading elements and the fabric. Charcoal cloth is also mentioned as a potential mitigator for absorbing harmful emissions from the materials.
Throughout the discussion, emphasis is placed on the profound emotional impact these quilts have on those who work with them. Williams passionately expresses the quilt's power, often moving the conservation team to tears. The quilts aren't just textiles but tangible representations of love, loss, and memory, making the preservation work deeply personal.
The conversation also ventures into the technical aspects of conservation. Williams elaborates on creating covers for the quilts, engineered for ease of handling and ensuring long-term care. The protective covers are designed to be simple in handling, compatible with the museum's space, and respectful of the quilts' integrity.
In conclusion, the podcast provides a multifaceted look at the conservation of the New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilts, emphasizing both technical challenges and the profound honoring of the memories embroidered into these poignant artifacts. It underscores the significance of preserving not only physical objects but also the historical and emotional legacies they represent. The care and meticulous attention to detail reflected in the podcast encapsulate a larger dedication to the stewardship of cultural heritage.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
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