Rolled storage is a great method for storing oversized textiles, especially large flags. Rolling is a method that precludes the textile from being folded, therefore eliminating fold lines and areas of weakness caused by folding. Oversized textiles, especially very large flags, require special accommodations so that they may be rolled. Since flags and large textiles come in a wide range of sizes, standardizing a rolled storage system can be challenging. First, there must be enough storage space for a large rolled flag to be housed. The second (and maybe biggest) challenge is that the supplies for rolling very large flags and textiles do not exist, they must be created.
This post is about how to create a custom sized/oversized acid-free tube by adding length. It is not intended to teach about rolling of textiles, however that information can be found in part three of our previous posts about flag storage: "How to Store Your Flag: Part 3 - Rolling".
Measuring the cut of tube for the extension and the insert. |
Making the cut. |
On the table saw, slicing out lengthwise a 1" channel. This width is basically the distance of the thickness of two walls of the tube |
The cut out channel. This width of the channel is critical to insure that the insert is tight inside both halves of the tube. |
Now squeezing the insert down to fit inside of the tube. |
A vise-grip and clamp provide pressure on four sides. |
Positioning one side of the tube. |
Fitting the smaller tube inside of the larger. A mallet might be needed. |
And now for the other side! Above you can see the sliced tube fitting inside of two 8 foot tubes, therefore creating a 16 foot tube. |
Iowa's larger flags are now rolled using archival materials and can be safely stored until they require conservation treatment or are ready to be prepared for exhibit or mounting.
Happy Flag Day from all of us at Spicer Art Conservation. The preservation and conservation of historic flags and banners is our expertise and it has been out great pleasure to assist institutions, museums, state houses and private collectors with flag collections both great and small.
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Gwen Spicer is a textile conservator in private practice. Spicer Art Conservation specializes in textile conservation, object conservation, and the conservation of works on paper. Gwen's innovative treatment and mounting of flags and textiles is unrivaled. To contact her, please visit her website.
Thanks for sharing this great idea for extending tubes without the use of adhesive.
ReplyDeleteMy concern is for the health of the staff members: cutting paperboard (or wood products) with a power tool generates a lot of fine, lightweight dust that is easily inhaled. Even if the equipment is connected to a dust collection system, the finest particulates still become airborne. Using a particulate dust mask, or even better, a respirator, will help protect the staff from potential longterm health issues such as asthma. I speak from experience!
P.S. Hearing protectors are also a good idea. I speak from experience!
Larry, You raise some very important points. Safety should always be a priority, thank you for adding the details of how to make this a safer procedure.
ReplyDelete