“Triumph” Jacket from the Holiday Collection, 1991
Gabriele Knecht (b. 1938)
Nonwoven substrate with thermoplastic polyurethane-ester coating, 38 1/8 × 20 1/2 × 6 1/2 in.​​ (97 × 52 × 16.5 cm)
Courtesy the Conservation Center, Institute of Fine Arts, New York University, New York City

The choice of materials used to support and house items is just as critical as the interactions between items and their environments. Even the best intentions to safeguard and preserve may be thwarted by unfortunate accidents. The polyurethane coating of this jacket has deteriorated with time, creating a tacky surface that has stuck to the Mylar cover intended to protect it in storage. A silicone release coating on certain Mylar (polyethylene terephthalate) films reduces surface tension and provides a nonstick surface. In this instance, non- silicone-coated Mylar was mistakenly used.