i have discovered a project working with radiography and textiles .. it would be an interesting process to work with .. ...

• creating embroidered textiles which would then be xrayed
• embroidering layers of text/ stitch/ fabric qualities
• digitally manipulating results to created digitally printed imagery.

Revealing the hidden: the X-radiography of textiles

Mary M Brooks, Senior Lecturer, Textile Conservation Centre, University of Southampton . Sonia A O'Connor, Research Fellow in Archaeological Conservation, Department of Archaeological Sciences, University of Bradford

X-radiography of textiles

X-radiography is an established non-destructive investigative technique used in many areas of conservation practice which has not usually been applied to textiles. The aim of this interdisciplinary research is to explore the potential of x-radiography as a tool for the characterisation, condition assessment, study and conservation decision-making of ancient, historic and contemporary textiles. Such X-radiographs enable hidden aspects of textiles and textile artefacts, such as seaming, stuffings and structural supports, to become evident as well as more subtle details such as internal stitching threads, variations in weave structures and differential metal weightings on silk fabrics. It can also be used for mapping areas of repair and deterioration. The benefits of such analysis are not only for conservators and curators since X-radiographs are also an exciting and dramatic tool for communicating a greater understanding of textiles to the public. http://www.bl.uk/services/npo/journal/2/textile.html