Behaving badly? The conservation of modern textile art

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