Ann, thanks for that very thoughtful response...you expressed some of
what was in my thoughts, but not yet articulated, about the use of
Velcro. You've also prompted me to write about our solution, which is
not original. 

We have  used some materials suggested by Joy Gardiner, following her
study of rug pads (see NATCC 2000 Preprints for her work.)  This
involves 2 layers: on the floor, a layer of polyethylene mesh  (US
Plastics,...made for preventing glassware breakage on lab counters and
sinks).  This provides the "grip".  Over that, a layer of polyester
felt, which some museums / historic houses (including us) are using
alone as a rug pad for large rugs with furniture, where slipping is not
an issue.  I have used Aetna Felt style PE16 - 125.

Rebecca, good luck with this project.  

Deborah Lee Trupin
Textile Conservator
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic   Preservation
Bureau of Historic Sites
Peebles Island
PO Box 219
Waterford, NY  12188   USA
1 - 518 - 237 - 8643   ext. 3241



-----Original Message-----
From: Textile Conservators [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Frisina, Ann
Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2004 10:33 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Historic Carpets

Please excuse the lateness of this reply. Several messages were lost in
my Spam filter.

The Minnesota Historical Society has several historic homes that have
both reproduction and artifact floor coverings in use.  We use a carpet
pad, suggested by an industry salesman, which is firm and skid resistant
called DuraHold Plus Oriental and Area Rug Underlay by No-Muv Corp.,
Inc.  Paul Storch performed an oddy test as described in Bamberger, et
al (1999).  The product tested as acceptable for use in an open air
environment, a floor, due to a modest presence of sulfur in the latex
backing.  It would not be acceptable for use in an enclosed environment
such as a case.  The rugs remain firmly in place and as of yet we have
had no tripping/falling accidents.  I have been very satisfied with it's
effectiveness.

I feel the Velcro application method as described here may not support
the rug overall for the following reasons.  First, as you walk on rugs
they move, expand and contract.  If one area is stuck firm while the
other portion moves you can promote breakage of fibers, splits and/or
tears.  Humidity fluctuations also expand and contract rugs which would
require the staff to adjust the Velcro perimeter to meet this additional
yardage however minimal. Otherwise bagging may occur in the center area
of the rug. Maybe if the Velcro was applied in strips following the
direction of traffic, similar to sewing a textile to a vertical mount,
it would work.  But traffic patterns almost always change. I would test
this procedure on an everyday rug at the site before applying it to an
artifact. If it does work, we all want to hear about its success.

Thank you
Ann Frisina
Textile Conservator
Minnesota Historical Society
345 Kellogg Blvd. W.
St. Paul, MN. 55104
 
651 297-5490


-----Original Message-----
From: Textile Conservators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf
Of Rebecca Bunch
Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 2004 9:03 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Historic Carpets


Hello, this is a follow up question to an inquiry posted March of 2003

I currently work in a historic house setting which sees a great amount
of visitor traffic.  The buildings themselves are not necessarily
considered museums because they are lived in by occupants as well as
being open for tours and functions, however we do have a collection of
6000+ artifacts installed in various houses as well as our warehouse.
My current concern (one of many) deals with several of our asian/persian
carpets which are placed throughout the houses.  Because they are in
high traffic areas, many years ago someone came up with the solution of
securing them to the floor with heavy duty double sided tape to prevent
possible tripping hazards along the edges. The problem with this is
obvious and until recently the general attitude has been "it works so
leave it" However, I would like to change this method to a more suitable
one.....



Part 2

I believe that we have come up with a possible solution to our tripping
and slipping problem with the carpets.  We are considering using 2"
sticky Velcro to adhere it to the hardwood floor and the non stick
Velcro to be sewn to the carpet.  What I propose is to have a band of
fabric (unbleached cotton ?) sewn to the top and bottom edges of the
carpet and then have the Velcro sewn to that, I'm hoping that this would
minimize any pull on the carpet if the piece has to be readjusted.  An
under pad will also be placed to reduce movement.
Realizing that this is not an ideal solution, can any one offer any
suggestions or comments on this option. Unfortunately the option to
simply leave them be is not there.
Thanks very much

Rebecca Bunch
Official Residences
National Capital Commission
[log in to unmask]