This textile would have been considerably more vibrant and colourful in its original state. Over the long term, some elements found in certain natural dyes and mordants cause decay and entire colours can disappear while others still remain.

Examination of this object showed small blue fibres in areas of the piece where no other yarn remained. This indicated which areas, now empty, were originally blue. We were able to restore the blue colour on a digital image of the piece. We were also able to restore faded elements to the same richness of colour as was found on better preserved sections of the textile. The image on the left is the end result.

See ACTUAL CONDITION