Textiles

Textiles are cloths or fabrics made especially by weaving or knitting. Antique textiles are tapestries, table and fine linens, rugs and even clothing that are 100 years old or more. Most antique textiles are made of natural fibers like wool, linen, silk or cotton. Synthetic fibers are not as valuable as natural fibers. Existing antique textiles date back hundreds of years, with the oldest selling for tens of thousands of dollars. Textiles come from all over the world in tribal, royal, and other designs. Persian and North African textiles are popular and durable--with 19th century textiles usually the most affordable, while still offering rarity and handcrafted detail. American and European fine bed linens and table linens from the turn of the century boast handcrafted knitting, needlepoint and crocheting skills. These pieces are still tucked away in many attics and can actually be worth hundreds, if not thousands of dollars at craft auctions. Victorian-age (1830-1903) pieces are especially valuable, including lace tablecloths and silk bed linens made in China.Care of TextilesAntique textiles, including linen fabric, are inherently prone to instability due to their hand-made nature and natural materials. Silk, especially, is often chemically unstable to because of a process called 'weighting'. Adding metallic salts to the silk made it heavier and more durable at the time, but also causes gradual erosion of the fabric. Light, temperature and humidity, pests and pollution are also environmental factors that shorten the life of textiles. Flat, unfolded storage out of direct light is highly recommended for antique textiles, fine linen and fabrics. If you must fold, layer folds with acid-free, non-buffered tissue or unbleached fabric called muslin to promote support throughout and limit contact with pollution and light. Silk textiles should be kept away from water as it causes permanent damage.