I have a batik made in ireland, which  I received as a gift in the late 1960's. it really need cleaning and probably reframing. I live in the chelsea area in manhattan (NYC). What do you suggest I do?

You have no idea of how washfast the dyes are? I do not know what dyes were being used in Ireland in the 1960s.

Usually, batik can be washed, after being removed from its frame. Wash it by hand, gently, in lukewarm water, using a mild soap such as Orvus (available in quilt stores and also in feed stores, as it is a good shampoo for horses). Hang it indoors to dry, not in direct sunlight, then iron it, using a clean cloth on each side of the batik, and take it to a professional to reframe it. (You may wish to take a picture of how it is framed, to show to the framer.)

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