The banners from our first two Interstate Athletic Conference championships have special significance since they belong to an alumnus who gave our Trophy Room, where many of the banners were displayed over the years. As a memorial to him, we decided to have the Tennis 1939 and Soccer 1940 banners (teams on which he played) conserved rather than replaced.
Julia Brennan and her team at Caring for Textiles took the project on with determination and diligence, preserving as much of the original banners as possible and adding in historically accurate replacement materials where necessary. Custom made, pressure mounted frames completed the painstakingly detailed and careful work for which CFT is so well known. The banners now reside in positions of honor in the Trophy Room, reminding the school community of the historically distinguished athletic traditions of St. Albans School that continue to this day. CFT has ensured that the roots of this legacy will be preserved and honored for many years to come.
Mark Wilkerson, Archivist, St Albans School, Washington DC, 2025
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the beautiful job you did on our World War II Service flag! After flying outside in all sorts of weather during the War and then being hung by two nails on our museum wall for some 50 years, the poor old flag was stretched, soiled, had suffered insect damage and it was sorely in need of professional conservation. We appreciated your clear communication from the moment you gave us your estimate through the day we picked up our finished flag, and we couldn’t be happier with the finished product.
Diane Wenger, Historic Schaefferstown, Inc. 2025
This past Friday morning, a dream more than 25 years in the making came true with the installation of my great-great-grandmother’s stunning work of art in my home. I can honestly say, it wouldn’t have happened without you. Thank you for your expert guidance and support, so generously provided to someone you’ve never even met. While I will certainly enjoy it for years to come, I am gratified to know that her brilliant handiwork will be preserved for subsequent descendants.
Thank you so very, very much,
Bill, Washington DC, 2018
The wonderful, PRECIOUS “Just Hello” WWI silk memento arrived today!! My eyes could not believe what I saw when we got it out of the packaging. You and yours have worked a small miracle. It doesn’t even look like the same, poor raggedy thing that we sent up to you. What patience this required!! I simply don’t have the words to express my gratitude to you and your staff for this priceless treasure. This has to be a labor of love. What patience… I could cry… My forever thanks and appreciation…
May Elizabeth, South Carolina, 2013
I just saw the 19th c. rabbi’s hat. It looks AMAZING! Talk about a total transformation. (In fact, it reminded me of the old Prell shampoo commercial—it went from flat to fluffy!) I wanted to let you know that we greatly appreciate all of the hard work that you put into conserving the piece. Wonderful work.
Jobi Zink, Jewish Museum, Baltimore, 2013
The two flags have arrived! They are both in excellent condition thanks to your conservation and care- and you certainly packaged them well. They look terrific! Although their value is minimal, my late father would be delighted to know his WWII flags have been cleaned and cared for – and I am grateful. Thank you for your fine work.
Beth, California, 2010
I want to thank you wholeheartedly for all of the tremendous work that you’ve done for us over the past couple of years. We were extremely pleased with the treatments on all three of the most recent objects that we sent you. The tapestries hung very well and look wonderful on display and the quilt will be put into a rotation slot in the first gallery in the Bruce wing, above several beautiful chests of drawers also from Pennsylvania. And thanks so much for working within our time constraints. While we started well in advance, we are appreciative that you saw these projects through to the end when we needed them. As always, we are extremely pleased and won’t hesitate to contact you for our future textile conservation needs.
Michael Belman, Objects Conservator, Carnegie Museum of Art, Philadelphia, 2010
The ladies whose hands made those tiny stitches (on an 1850 chintz applique quilt) are dancing a jig up in heaven now! Thank you so much for bringing to life their work!
Sallie, West Virginia, 2010
