Interior restoration of a trunk
The trunk interiors consist of two parts, the tank and the cover. The tub is the lower part of the trunk, where the contents are stored. We generally find inside the tank, a series of canvas frames, 1, 2 or 3 depending on the height of the trunk. These frames were used to keep the clothes of the client in complete safety and could sometimes be arranged in a specific way, to accommodate collars, a cane, an umbrella, shoes, hat, etc.
In the hood, the upper part of the trunk, we find a series of tape stretched over a padded surface . Oh rigorously designed to follow the shape and protect the contents of the tank once the trunk is closed, it quickly became a distinctive sign of luxury trunks, as well as a very practical "photo holder". As soon as the customer opened his trunk, he could directly see his family photos, pinned to the fleece or wedged between the wool ribbons.
This trunk has been fully restored inside. We first removed the original linen cover, then prepared the wooden support to receive a new covering. This preparation requires the break of a first " cardboard" canvas on the wood, so as to harmonize the whole and avoid bubbles or imperfection on the final coating . The pieces of canvas are then cut to the exact dimensions of the tank, so as to cover the first cardboard support. A pleat is adjusted at the edges to properly finish the stabilizer. We can then add a series of nails around the edge and thus ensure a perfect maintenance of the affixed canvas.
Canvas repair of the tank
Capiton " Etoile "
Louis Vuitton woven mail trunk , circa 1902
A cotton ribbon is stretched over 8 distinctive points , so as to form a star pattern. Less sophisticated than a usual quilting, this covering was often used for trunks with a metallic finish or covered with black canvas.
Capiton " matelassé "
Louis Vuitton striped cabin trunk , circa 1880
A material quilted is fixed on the hood, then covered with a satin canvas, stretched and studded at each ends. We then present several strips of cotton ribbon, stretched symmetrically with a series of nails.
Terminology of a trunk
Malle wardrobe Goyard en Goyardine, vers 1915
Original quilting with stained cotton twill all over the left part
Removal of old tapes and nails covering the stretched canvas
Removal of stained canvas and old wool fleece
Changing the wool fleece and preparing the new twill
Nailing and fixing of new ribbons (white on buyer's request).