
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This beaded bridal tiara had been used by several brides since the 1940s before it came to OTC to be prepared for use by the next bride in the family. The tiara had been glued to a cardboard backing (probably in the 1970s), there were several layers of mismatched and damaged tulle, and the adhesive had yellowed and become brittle. OTC removed the cardboard and as much of the glue as possible. A new rigid support was prepared using Fosshape, a heat-moldable polyester felt, and covered in silk. The new support could more closely follow the peaks of the beaded tiara, restoring some of the light, airiness of the delicate beaded piece. A custom-made, conservation-safe box with a silk-covered form was prepared to protect the tiara during storage between family weddings.
This beaded bridal tiara had been used by several brides since the 1940s before it came to OTC to be prepared for use by the next bride in the family. The tiara had been glued to a cardboard backing (probably in the 1970s), there were several layers of mismatched and damaged tulle, and the adhesive had yellowed and become brittle. OTC removed the cardboard and as much of the glue as possible. A new rigid support was prepared using Fosshape, a heat-moldable polyester felt, and covered in silk. The new support could more closely follow the peaks of the beaded tiara, restoring some of the light, airiness of the delicate beaded piece. A custom-made, conservation-safe box with a silk-covered form was prepared to protect the tiara during storage between family weddings.
Before (top) and after (bottom)
Before treatment
The tiara is distorted, slumping away from its cardboard support, and yellowed from the adhesive that once held it to the cardboard.
Before treatment, from above
An overhead view shows the multiple layers of support and tulle the tiara had acquired over the years.
After treatment
Tiara in custom-made storage