The Mortlake series, Acts of the Apostles , are based on cartoons by Raphael and were woven in Mortlake, Great Britain. The eight pictorial tapestries are based on the original 16th-century set woven for Pope Leo X for the Sistine Chapel. Raphael's cartoons for the series are now part of the archives of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Laboratory conserves tapestries, needlepoint,upholstery, costumes, and other textiles. Each piece that is brought to the Laboratory is analyzed for its conservation needs, including research into the iconography and history of the textile to ensure the accuracy of the conservation work, and a full condition report to determine the state and structural stability of the textile.
Conservators then analyze the fibers and a conservation approach is agreed upon by the client.
Depending on the condition of the fabrics, the piece is treated by wet, dry, suction, or spot-cleaning methods. If needed, yarn and fabric are dyed on-site to repair holes or threadbare areas. Finally, backings, mounts, or frames are created to display the work. Countless pieces have been recovered from states of disrepair to be enjoyed for centuries to come. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine 1047 Amsterdam Ave.