cotton panels on heavy cotton backing

An Egyptian decorative wall hanging, also known as Khayamiya, that utilises a traditional appliqué textile technique whereby colourful cotton panels are stitched onto heavy backing fabric. This piece was in the style of ancient Pharaonic art and was possibly made in the early 20th century. The textile was dusty with insect casings embedded within the backing fabric. Some appliqué panels were loose at the edges and the border binding was unstitched in parts. There were numerous tears in the brown border binding. Some areas of appliqué had dark stains. To stabilise the textile and prepare it for display we:

• removed and cleaned insect casings and dust

• restitched loose appliqué and border binding

• stablised weakened areas by sewing in backing material

• reduced stains through custom formulated cleaning gels

• attached a velcro and timber rod hanging system