Claudia P. Iannuccilli

Conservator Emerita

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Textile and Costume Conservation


Studio of Textile Arts “SOTA” is a private conservation studio established in 2021 after my twenty-six year long career as a textile and costume conservator at The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. SOTA is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of historic and ethnic textiles and garments. I consult and work on privately owned collections, as well as work directly with museums across the country providing expert care, conservation, and exhibition expertise.

Claudia Iannuccilli at work performing textile conservation and repair; Rhode Island-based expert conservator and textile designer
Grecian Pageantry Costume Conservation Prepared for the New American Wing at the MFA, Boston / Claudia P. Iannuccilli

Conservation

Over the years I have worked on an extensive array of textiles and costumes from around the world. Every textile ages and degrades in its own way. Individually designed treatments slow down this process and remove degradation products when possible. I can also mount items for a museum exhibition, an art gallery, or for display in your home and provide information for proper support and care.

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Fashioning America Exhibit, Boston MFA \ Claudia P. Iannuccilli

Exhibition

My extensive exhibition background as a conservator for the MFA, Boston as well as other institutions and galleries enables me to work with your staff to bring an exhibit to life. I can assist and train institution staff who may not be conversant with the practice and techniques of textiles and costume display for exhibition.

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Purple Fabric on Loom / Claudia P. Iannuccilli

Design

After years of working on exhibition projects, I have, embraced projects of my own. These include learning new skills such as weaving and going back to my roots with clothing design. “Weaving fabric that can be turned into a child’s spring coat brings joy with each passing shuttle and each stitch.”

VIEW CLAUDIA’S DESIGN PROJECTS

Featured Project

Tablecloth Stain Removal

I often use gels for localized stain removal on both costumes and textiles. This table cover dating from 1880-1920 belonged to a friend who allowed me to experiment after an unfortunate incident with an ink marker.

Stain removal gels for costumes and textiles / Claudia P. Iannuccilli
  • Saturated ink stain on linen fabric / Claudia P. Iannuccilli

    Before Treatment

    Not only did the ink saturate the linen ground, but also an area of the silk embroidered heather motif, which presented a challenge.

  • Residue from gel stain removal process / Claudia P. Iannuccilli

    Residue from Dried Gels and Contact Cleaning

    Following testing, different gel formulations were used for the actual treatment. Gels were cut to the size of the stain, placed over the stain, and as drying occurs, the stains are pulled from the weave structure into the gel material.

  • Linen fabric after gel stain removal / Claudia P. Iannuccilli

    After Treatment

    Nearly all the stain was removed. Though a bit of color remains deep in the fiber, the placement of a beautiful vase will offer a gentle distraction and allow the tablecloth to be displayed.