Behaving badly? The conservation of modern textile art

Lennard, F. (2006) Behaving badly? The conservation of modern textile art. Restauro, 2006(5), pp. 328-334.

Abstract

Textile conservators are increasingly likely to be asked to treat modern textile artworks. These often present new challenges: they may be made of unusual materials whose deterioration patterns are unfamiliar, they may utilise traditional textile techniques in unusual ways. Modern artworks may be hung in unconventional ways, or be displayed in spaces which are not standard museum venues. It is commonly accepted that it is necessary to gain as much information as possible in order to preserve the artist’s intent when treating modern artworks. Legislation also gives the artist moral rights over his or her work. The issues involved in the conservation of modern textile artworks are illustrated with examples of pieces treated at the Textile Conservation Centre, UK, among others, and with particular reference to a piece by Robert Rauschenberg.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Modern materials, textile sculpture, modern tapestry, artist’s intent, artist’s moral rights legislation, Robert Rauschenberg, Tadek Beutlich
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lennard, Professor Frances
• Authors: Lennard, F.
• Subjects: N Fine Arts > NX Arts in general; N Fine Arts > NK Decorative arts Applied arts Decoration and ornament
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art
• Journal Name: Restauro
• Publisher: Callwey Verlag
• ISSN: 0933-4017
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2006 Callwey Verlag
• First Published: First published in Restauro 2006(5):328-334
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the publisher