Joseph Beuys' Felt Suit destroyed by moths at Tate
Joseph Beuys' 1970 sculpture Felt Suit, an edition of 100, was completely destroyed by moths after being acquired by Tate London in 1981. The damage was discovered in 1989 when the work was requested for a loan. Despite restoration attempts, it was declared unsalvageable and now exists only as a disinfested remnant in a storage box. A Tate conservator recounts the story in a video.
Key facts
- Felt Suit was created by Joseph Beuys in 1970 in an edition of 100.
- Tate London acquired the work in 1981.
- Moth damage was discovered in 1989 during a loan request.
- The sculpture was completely destroyed and could not be saved.
- The remains are stored in a box, disinfested, at Tate's storage.
- A Tate conservator tells the story in a video.
- The work is described as 'existing and not existing at the same time'.
- Joseph Beuys lived from 1921 to 1986.
Entities
Artists
- Joseph Beuys
Institutions
- Tate London
- Artribune
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom