The Textiles Department is responsible for all the textiles in the palaces and warehoused textile collections, which encompass valuable silk fabrics, such as damask, velvet, and differently colored brocaded fabrics interwoven with gold and silver threads. The draperies and wall coverings accented with passements define the rooms they decorate, and are prime examples of the Prussian silk weaving industry at its height in the 18th century. The inventory also houses newer fabrics, such as silks, and predominantly painted or printed linen and cotton fabrics, as well as artificial silks from the 20th century. The 17th and 18th century tapestries are particularly valuable. Embroideries, hand-knotted as well as machine-woven carpets, household linen, leather as well as clothing are also overseen by this department.
The current department of textile restoration emerged from the royal workshops in charge of wall covering commissions, and as a result has always included interior decorators and wall coverings specialists. The mastery inherent in this area of studies is the combination of years of imparted knowledge with new scientific findings in the field of restoration.
The department’s main focus is to conserve original textiles in their original contexts within the palace interiors. Without special care they are prone to rapid deterioration, and therefore the determination of preventive countermeasures, such as protection from strong light, pest infestation and mechanical wear, is also an important range of responsibilities for this department. In order to preserve aged, fragile and already damaged textiles, the Textiles Department has acquired specific expertise and skills to be able to restore large-scale wall coverings, curtains and furniture fabrics.
