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The Dresses of Marion & Maud Sambourne

Leighton House & Sambourne House Museums — Exhibition October 2024

Leighton House & Sambourne House Museums chose to exhibit a selection of garments worn by Marion and Maud Sambourne. The exhibition illustrated the progression of style through the years 1880–1920 as well as an insight into the daily lives of these women through excerpts from their diaries.

The collection of garments chosen for the exhibition were made from a variety of fabrics and embellishments. They required varying degrees of conservation before having mannequins padded out to fit and support the garments while on display.

Treatment Received

  • •Stained and discoloured perspiration pads removed and packed for archival storage.
  • •Surface cleaned with a variable powered museum vacuum and vulcanised rubber sponges.
  • •Mould treated with solvent. Stains and accretions treated with a variety of solvents and conservation grade detergents.
  • •Controlled warm air and contact humidification used to reduce creasing.
  • •Splits and losses supported with a combination of colour matched silk and custom dyed conservation net overlays.
  • •Individual custom padded mannequins created to fit measurements and period shape with underpinnings.

Behind the Seams

Watch this short film made by Leighton House and Sambourne House Museum, shown as part of the exhibition, filmed at our studios featuring the conservation process of these stunning historical garments.

Credit — Behind the Seams: Chris Haddock at Iron & Glass

Behind the Seams conservation film

Behind the Seams

Art Quarterly interview with Janie

Art Quarterly Feature

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