Restoration of the tapestry The Calvary

In 2005 the Laboratory for Scientific Restoration of Textiles restoration work was carried out on the tapestry The Calvary (France, late 15th - early 16th centuries; wool, silk; 3.12 х 2.3 m). The tapestry was heavily soiled and misshapen, and it had many cuts and small losses of wool and silk weft. The connecting seams at the edges had weakened and in places were lost completely. In 2005 the tapestry entered the Laboratory for Scientific Restoration of Textiles. A plan of restoration measures was designed: laboratory analysis was carried out, methods were chosen and the sequence of processes was determined. As a result of cleaning, surface and deep soiling was eliminated. Then the tapestry was relined with cloth; in places where there was damage or destruction, silk threads of the appropriate colour were used to strengthen the tapestry. The connecting seams were restored. In this way it was possible to reduce the deformation and smooth out distortions in the tapestry's picture resulting from losses and numerous previous mending. The tapestry was strengthened by a lining made of silk fabric. The work carried out by the laboratory's art restorers Anna Denisova, Marina Denisova, Tatiana Kalyadina, Liudmila Loginova, Marina Tikhonova and Galina Fiodorova made it possible not only to preserve this unique monument of applied art but also to see its true colouring.

Art restorer at work
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Wall painting of Bodhisattva Manjushri with a Retinue
11th century
Before restoration
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Wall painting of Bodhisattva Manjushri with a Retinue
11th century
After restoration
Larger view