A hidden agenda: an investigation into a concealed hat. What is the most suitable method for documentation and conservation?

Abstract

A study of literature on documentation was undertaken to create a method for
documenting and conserving a hat found concealed in an 18th Century cottage. From
this study a documentation methodology was developed which included documenting
all information from the object and non-object specific information, the condition, the
cache site and gathering all this information in an assessment of significance
including influential factors such as the client’s wishes. From the object record and
the cache the hat may be dated before 1828 and is made from a hemp fibre in a
complex construction of lacing, weaving and knotting. There were no other materials
aiding the construction. The silk lining was original to when it was made.
The condition appeared to be caused by three main life stages: From uses and wear,
from the concealment and from open display at the house. The assessment of
significance identified that the first two key life stages were seen as significant and
evidential to the object’s true nature. Thus a treatment was proposed to stabilise the
object for display and to retain the soiling and damage that is evidence of
concealment and manufacturing and use.