Treatment Carried Out:

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• The carpets were then thoroughly surface cleaned using variable control museum vacuums to remove particulate soiling and some ingrained dirt.

 

• The tape, formerly securing the carpets together and areas of loss, was mechanically removed and the adhesive residue was removed using solvent.

 

• All dyes were tested for colour fastness and all proved stable.

 

• Spray extraction was used to clean the carpets further. This was done using 0.2% solution of Dehypon LS45 (conservation grade detergent) in de-ionised water. To ensure that all of the detergent was removed the process was repeated using only de-ionised water.

 

• Areas of loss were infilled using mesh canvas, 5 holes to the inch; this was re-knotted using colour-matched wool.

 

• The edges were secured using wool (DMC 7339 & 7288). Laid thread couching was carried out to the abraded area of the chancel carpet, this was done through a scoured linen support.

 

• Two strips of loop Velcro® were machine stitched to a heavy duty black cotton tape; this was then stitched along the reverse of the two ends that meet. An independent strip was prepared using two strips of hook side Velcro®. This was positioned under where the two carpets met to secure them together and reduce the risk of tripping.

 

• Polyester needle felt underlay was positioned under the two carpets