Output details

Production and validation of model iron-tannate dyed textiles for use as historic textile substitutes in stabilisation treatment studies

Iron-tannate dyes are commonly found in black, grey or brown cellulosic and proteinaceous cultural heritage materials around the world. Unfortunately the dyes can accelerate the degradation of the coloured substrates, weakening, embrittling and in many cases, discolouring them with unusual rapidity. This study undertaken with the British Museum describes the development of model textiles and protocols through relevant physical and chemical analyses and ageing processes that mimic the degraded historic materials. It was demonstrated that only the dyed wool fabrics were not suitable for subsequent stabilisation studies due to the non-uniform distribution of dye in the fibre.