ABSTRACT
This case study originated in the 2010 edition of this book and discusses the changing trends in textile conservation and the need for continuous learning and collaboration among conservators. It focuses on a specific project involving conserving and replicating historical silk banners from the Stibbert Museum in Florence. The banners, dating back to the nineteenth century, were in a deteriorated state and required urgent attention. The case study outlines the process of removing the banners from the ceiling, documenting their condition, and transporting them for display. The treatment involved meticulous cleaning, lining removal, consolidation, and flattening of the fragile silk fabric. Additionally, the project included the creation of replicas through digital photography and printing on seamless fabric. The paper emphasizes the project’s interdisciplinary nature, involving collaboration between conservators, historians, and scientific experts. It highlights the challenges faced during the conservation process and the importance of preserving the banners’ cultural significance. The case study concludes by noting the successful completion of the project, the short-term display of the conserved banners in Siena, and the tracking of the pieces since the 2010 documented procedure.
