Thank you, Joanne.   I looked at their website but opted for the
distlist instead.  I do have a catalog for Thai Silks but it's much
outdated 1993! I'll give them a call tomorrow and inquire about
swatches.

(And I've been informed by the objects conservator that the frame
backboard is to me made of wood, not MDF.  Some lively discussions, no?)

Best Regards,

Jane
On Jun 30, 2005, at 10:02 AM, Joanne Hackett wrote:

> Jane,
> Should you wish to persue using silk velvet I can recommend Thai Silks
> in California.  They stock a variety of silk velvets, including one
> ready to dye.  I have always found them helpful with swatching and
> they
> will sell you a small quantity.  They have really great sets of pre-
> cut
> swatches of all of their china silk colors and their different
> types and
> weights of silk.
> http://www.thaisilks.com/
>
> Joanne Hackett
> Associate Textile Conservator
> Indianapolis Museum of Art.
>
>
>
>>>> [log in to unmask] 6/29/2005 5:58:15 PM >>>
>>>>
> I am looking for a source of silk velvet (light-weight), suitable for
> use as a backing in an enclosed frame containing ivory/gilded metal.
> The velvet will be use to cover the backboard of a shadowbox frame
> which houses three ovals of carved ivory set in gilded frames.
> Because of extensive mold growth the original wood backboard will be
> replaced, mostly likely  by  MDF covered with ragboard, over which
> new velvet will be placed.  The original velvet can not be salvaged.
>
> Can anyone recommend fabric sources that will sell small quanties ( a
> yard?) of silk velvet suitable for conservation use? The original is
> of a caramel color, so I am prepared to dye, if a white or ecru
> velvet can be found.
>
> Thank you for your recommendations.
>
> Jane Hammond
> Adjunct Textile Conservator
> The Intermuseum Conservation Association
> Cleveland, Ohio
>