About Heritage Garment Preservation

Our History

Heritage Garment Preservation is owned and operated by Katherine Wright, Jennifer Judd and Carmina West. Mrs. Wright began preserving bridal gowns in 1994 using the Museum Method preservation technique. Heritage Garment Preservation was established in 2000 to provide the San Francisco Bay area with museum quality heirloom garment preservation. In 2003 we expanded our business online to provide Museum Method professional preservation and do-it-yourself supplies nationally.

Our Commitment

Over thirteen years, and hundreds (thousands?) of dresses later, our commitment to providing the finest care for your heirloom garments has not wavered. We continually research new methods and treatments to restore, protect and give your heirloom garment the same care we would give our own.

Our Mission

Heritage Garment Preservation strives to offer the very best cleaning and preservation for the most affordable price. Our services include hand cleaning of most wedding gowns as well as heirloom garment cleaning and restoration. We help protect the environment by cleaning with either water or Greenearth dry-cleaning solvent. We utilize and sell museum quality preservation materials including our 100% cotton preservation bag. We also insist on providing excellent customer service.

Our Techniques

Our unique Museum Method ™ preservation technique is similar to heirloom gown storage used by museums worldwide.It is recommended by the Ohio Sate University Extension Office in their Textile and Clothing Fact Sheet: Storing Wedding Gowns and Textile Heirlooms. The Cooperative Extension Service of the University of Maryland also recommends this method in their fact sheet Cleaning and Storing Your Wedding Gown. Both of these fact sheets are provided by the Smithsonian Museum textile department upon request for bridal gown preservation recommendations. We also offer Heritage Box™ preservation using only top quality preservation boxes that are both acid-free and lignin free.

Our Research

After extensive research on garment preservation used by museums, such as the Smithsonian in Washington D. C. and The Victoria and Albert Museum in London and various cleaning methods and solvents used by dry-cleaners for bridal gown cleaning, we have prepared a comprehensive Wedding Dress Cleaning and Preservation Guide that will help you make an informed decision on the care of your treasured gown.