Photo by Kate Simon Photography https://www.kate-simon.com/
Let your treasures tell their stories
Preserving and interpreting your special clothing, textiles, and accessories
I’m Whitney Robertson: fashion historian, clothing and textile specialist, and owner of Heirloom Care LLC. I help individuals and institutions to preserve and interpret their clothing and textile collections, bringing extensive experience in both the practical and intellectual sides of costume history to my work. Whether dressing a complex garment on a mannequin, writing an engaging label that helps a visitor connect to a piece, digging deep into primary sources, or planning safe and affordable artifact storage, I love to help objects and people tell their stories and create dialogue between past, present, and future.
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From object research and interpretive advising to label writing and object mounting, I can help you develop exhibitions that make your costume and textile collections meaningful to visitors.
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There are few things more powerful than an outfit brought to life on a mannequin or a textile displayed to highlight its intricate details. I can provide the expertise and source the supplies to dress mannequins or mount objects for display in a way that is safe, accurate, and visually engaging.
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Whether you’re trying to determine if a piece is right for your collection, connect it to your story, or develop an exhibition, I know where and how to find details about your collection and how to put your objects in conversation with one another, all within the context of your mission.
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Clothing and textiles have particularly challenging storage and care needs. I can help you formulate and execute storage, care, and housekeeping plans, source appropriate archival materials, and connect to conservators.
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Looking to develop a program around your costume and textile pieces? Interested in collaborating with other institutions? Contact me and let’s brainstorm together!
For Institutions
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Too often, our precious pieces are stored in moldy basements, dry attics, or acidic environments that can cause irreparable damage. I can help you create a storage plan and source archival preservation materials so that your objects will be maintained for future generations.
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Sometimes, the best way to appreciate what you have is to put it where you can see it! But clothing, textiles, and accessories can have special care needs that make them tricky to display without damaging them. I can help you put your special pieces on display while keeping them as safe from as possible from deterioration.
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Are there old or special pieces in your care that you don’t know much about? Whether the goal is connecting an heirloom to your family story, deciding on the best home for a piece, or simply learning more about its age and materials
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Part of responsible stewardship for heirlooms is finding the right homes for the right pieces. I can help you through the process of deciding what to keep and what to pass on, and connect you to study collections or other places where your treasures could find new life.