To document the flag, conservators had it photographed. Because of its size and the confined space, the flag could not be photographed as a whole. The photographer took seventy-four shots. Using computer technology, each frame was pieced together, like a puzzle, into a composite image. Source: Smithsonian InstitutionThe Smithsonian Institution has completed its conservation treatment of the Star Spangled Banner -- the battle flag flying over Fort McHenry during the war of 1812 that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the song that would become the national anthem of the U.S.
Visitors to the Star Spangled Banner. Source: Smithsonian Institution
The Little Admiral and I visited the current exhibit of the flag as it lies on the (very large) conservation worktable, accompanied by a brief explanation of the measures that were taken to protect the flag. (The permanent display area is under construction.) A more detailed series of progress reports is available here at the Smithsonian's web site. It's fascinating stuff -- the flag was filthy and heavily damaged after the battle, and continued to accumulate grime as it handled by its owners. Small pieces were cut off to give to friends of the family. The flag was donated to the Smithsonian in 1907. During subsequent conservation work, a linen backing was added and several repairs made, using the best knowledge at the time. This work itself actually caused additional problems, and by the late 1990's it was clear that the flag needed serious attention.
Elsewhere in the exhibit, three of these souviener patches that have been since donated to the Smithsonian are on display in the The Price of Freedom: Americans At War. There were no signs prohibiting photography, so I took a couple of flashless photographs:
The pieces are mounted onto padded muslin, affixed by very fine silk thread dyed to match the fabric, and enclosed within an archival frame. The stitches are large basting stitches, sufficient to hold the fabric without causing undue stress. They are virtually invisible unless you are looking for them. (And I looked, very carefully, with my nose almost up against the glass, from all angles. I'm sure the security cameras were watching my every move.) This mount is a good example of how even bare fragments of a textile, with some provenance and a quality framing, can be a meaningful display.
Lastly, in the entryway to the museum, the flag that flew over the Pentagon after 9/11 has replaced the Star Spangled Banner in its original display space.
2 comments:
So interesting! Thanks for posting.
I visited the Smithsonian about 3 years ago and watched while they did some of the reconstruction. It is amazing.
Your story reminded me of the work that is going on here on the Sphinx. It has some kind of viscious mold (or fungus or something - I just think of it as rock cancer) that is eating away at it and destroying it from within. Previous conservation work did more damage than the original problem.
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