The Petticoat Project: Research Through Replica-Making in a Museum Environment

Abstract

<p>This article focuses on the creation of a partial replica of a shipwreck textile identified as a quilted women’s petticoat from the eighteenth century. The textile is a part of the collection at the Maritime Museum of Finland, it is very fragile and cannot be displayed to the public in its current state. This article argues that creating a partial replica of the object was a useful process which has restored access to the object, aided current research of the object and facilitated new learning opportunities in a museum environment. The replication process of the discussed textile titled The Petticoat Project is examined within the current context of replica making in museums and academia and forms part of the author's ongoing PhD research.<br></p>