Gentle Arts Textile Conservation was established in New Orleans in 1980 and has been trusted by clients across America for 45 years. We offer complete textile services, including conservation, restoration, wet cleaning, appraisals, custom embroidery, and textile display services. We work on a wide range of textiles, including embroideries, tapestries, lace, christening gowns, vestments, flags, quilts, samplers, needlepoint, linens, and much more. Our clients include private collectors, state museums, historic house museums, interior designers, auction houses, and insurance companies. Please see our contact page to learn how to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!
Gentle Arts textile conservation services include wet cleaning, repairs, and stabilization. We have a 5’ x 6’ water table for gently hand cleaning textiles. Our experts have extensive experience repairing holes and weakened areas in silk, wool, cotton, and modern fabrics. We frequently restore loss in embroideries, tapestries, quilts, and other hand-embellished textiles. We also provide archival storage solutions.
Conservation
Chelsea Syal is an Associate Member with the Appraisers Association of America and offers USPAP-compliant appraisals for her clients. We handle a range of IRS and insurance-related textile appraisals.
Appraisals
We are experienced in mounting and hanging a variety of textiles, including tapestries, flags, embroidery, quilts, lace, and clothing. Our mounted textiles are hand-sewn onto acid-free boards covered in fabric. We also provide custom hanging solutions, including Velcro mounts and hanging sleeves for sturdier objects such as rugs, tapestries, and quilts.
Display
Gentle Arts specializes in preparing textiles for display. We make specialized display plans for each textile depending on their needs. Our services include mounting textiles to be framed, and creating hanging solutions for larger pieces. We work with you to create the safest and most beautiful way to display your textiles.
Embroidery
Gentle Arts provides custom hand embroideries for your heirlooms, such as christening gowns, and bridal handkerchiefs. Please check out our portfolio and embroidery page for more information.