The structural treatment of historical paintings on canvas is a significant concern for painters and conservators. In the past, the universal practice was the attachment of a second canvas to enhance the
strength of the original canvas.
Belgium linen, obtained from the stem of a flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), is a premium textile material universally sought after by conservators for its quality when used as reinforcement material
in the restoration of historical paintings.
Because of its exclusivity and high market price, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has engaged in a contract research partnership with the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) to address this concern.
The Project Team was able to develop a canvas material spun and woven from pineapple leaf (Ananas comosus) textile fibers blended with cotton. Natural fibers were extracted and treated through a DOST-PTRI patented technology. The yarn number, fabric construction, and fabric weight were at-par with
the conventional Belgian linen material.
Thank you!
This Research Project was conducted by Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) and funded by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). Art and photography direction by Simon Dingcong and Josiah Poyugao.
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