Support the Hermann-Grima House curtain fund to protect items in the collection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. We need your help to
Prevent light damage to our period furniture and historically-accurate fabrics
Avoid window film and other historically inaccurate solutions
Purchase less invasive sheer curtains to filter the light while allowing a look that is appropriate for the 1830s home
Allow us to open more shutters for natural light and to improve the visitor experience
Focus on preservation efforts and projects while our historic house museum is closed to the public
What is Light Damage?
In historic house museums, it is impossible to recreate an historic interior without having any furniture near a window; nonetheless, the furniture should be kept out of direct sunlight because the sun’s ultraviolet rays can bleach woods, fade organic dyes and stains, and cause finishes to oxidize.
The silk fabric on the upholstered Empire period sofa has already deteriorated significantly from previous light exposure, but we do not believe it makes sense to re-upholster it until we have minimized any future threats from the same source.
The Project
Mr. Lawrence Taylor of Dukeries Textiles & Fancy Goods LTD in Nottingham, UK uses a machine from the 1850s to make the cotton bobbinet, which will become the curtains. Locally, a seamstress will take this fabric and sew it into curtains measured specially to fit the windows of Hermann-Grima House windows.
Help us reach our fundraising goal - we’re more than halfway! Your gift is tax deductible and will leave a lasting mark on one of New Orleans’ most historic houses.