An old adhesive – starch paste. A new technique – the suction table offers new horizons in the treatment of brittle textiles

1 THE PROBLEM 1.1 Description of the textile A regimental silk banner, measuring 90cm x 125cm, handmade in December 1814,was to be prepared for exhibit (Fig. 1).. The banner was composed of a silk ground*, ornately decorated with many colors of silk embroidery. Ribbon decoration was painted with a blue pigment. Lettering was applied in gold leaf onto the painted areas. A 7.5cm twisted fringe was sewn to three-edges. The flag was finished on both sides.