I’ve got some very old clothing, handed down from great grandma. What would you do with it? I have a black top which has a label in it. Says size 13 and half. The 3R make. I tried googling but found nothing. Looks quite funereal. I’d ideally like to donate to a museum. Probably got enough old tat to open my own! Anyway, how to store old clothes - acid free tissue paper. no plastic bags - what keeps the clothes moths out then? Anyone got old stuff stored and how have you done it?
Wow CC, that's really interesting, what great things to have. The museum idea is really good, do you know of any that are niche, like a museum of fashion?
I know nothing about storing things like this apart from the tissue paper thing, so can be of no use to you, would love you to post a picture or two, do you have a mannequin?
There is a lot to be said for being part of a group, and the support and friendship that is gained from this.
I would first of all take the clothes to an auction room and make an appointment for a antique textile/clothing expert to inspect them and value them, for insurance/resale purposes.
They should also be able to advise you on how to care and store the clothing. Some auction houses have regular antique clothing sales CC.
CC, definitely acid free paper. Store in a cool, dry place in a cardboard box?. I have a feeling that moths don't like cedar. Really it's best to get professional advice.
Trisha
You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending. C. S. Lewis
Thanks for all your suggestions and advice. My mum had wrapped them in tissue paper and written on whose clothes they were, then put them in a plastic bag. I’ve hung one of gg’ tops in the kitchen for the last few days, today took outside and gentle brushed off what looked like mould or mildew. It did come off. If I could work out how to shrink my photos, I’d show. I know I’ve done it before but forgotten how. I use an iPad if anyone can help.
I googled York museum but it said the6 are not accepting anything at the moment. Probably not good enough for the V&A.
Did you watch Antiques Roadshow on Sunday CC ? They had some Elizabethan clothing, never seen before ! Some were the only type left in existence, worth £100,000 !
I would do the tissue paper and store in pillowcases rather than plastic bag, Put in a large plastic box but use the cedar balls outside the case and get those gel sachets for moisture for the box, depending where you are going to store them.
Would love to see them too. What beautiful heirlooms to keep. I know the young ones aren't interested now, but as they get older they may change their minds.