Combine Indiana Jones with CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and set it at the Met Gala, and you get the fascinating world of textile conservation. I recently went behind the scenes at the Royal Ontario Museum’s Textiles and Costumes department to visit the lab of Senior Conservator Chris Paulocik, and spent a fascinating morning learning about what conservators do, the science of textile conservation, and how you can preserve your heirloom or heritage textiles at home.
I would like to thank Chris Paulocik, Senior Curator, Textiles & Costumes at the Royal Ontario Museum for her time, generosity, and for nerding out with me; and Mariana D’Alberto from the ROM’s Media Relations Department for making my visit possible. — MW
All images by Michelle Woodvine, unless otherwise noted.
