Mount-making

Module Synopsis

This module discusses criteria for constructing proper support mounts for museum artifacts. It covers strategies for counteracting gravity and discusses the mechanics of stress, strain, elasticity, and compressibility. Materials, tools, and techniques available for mounting and supporting objects are outlined as well as tools and techniques for measuring objects. Means of ensuring the object's safety in the workshop and during the mount-making stages are discussed. Analytical, conceptual, and manual skills in mount design and production are presented and practised.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• understand and explain the significance of mounts and how they support objects
• choose appropriate materials and techniques for making support mounts
• make safe and accurate measurements of museum objects using appropriate tools
• recognize, design, and produce safe efficient mounts

Units

Importance of Support
Strategies to counteract gravity: carefully adjusting supports, judicious use of padding, and choosing correct methods and approaches. Elasticity and compressibility of objects. Mechanics of stress and strain. Distortion over time. Factors that increase the elasticity of objects.

Materials for Mounting
Materials available for making supports: properties of materials suitable for artifact supports; safe and unsafe materials; a compilation of safe, available, and economical materials; and identification of a range of possible materials for mount-making. Selecting materials that are stable and non-damaging to artifacts.

Tools and Techniques
Tools and equipment for clamping, cutting, bending, shaping, drilling, adhering, fastening, polishing, and finishing various mount-making materials. Techniques for using these tools effectively. Mount construction techniques. Safe work spaces and practices.

Measuring Artifacts
Measuring tools and techniques. Marking instruments that are compatible with delicate surfaces.

Designing and Producing a Mount
Assessing object needs, establishing display requirements, and sketching or formulating an appropriate mount design. Assessing the suitability of a mount or a proposed mount in terms of: base material(s) that support the weight of the object; required joins; padding and finishing materials; and retainers that secure the object to the mount. Stability of the mount, and of the object on its mount. Simplicity of design. Precautions before starting a project.

Target Audience

Individuals responsible for the fabrication of artifact support mounts, including designers, preparatory staff, museum technicians, and conservators.

Facilitator(s)

Robert Barclay, Carole Dignard

Language

English, French

Enrollment Limits

Minimum 10; maximum 12

Duration

2 days

Special Requirements

Mount-Making for Museum Objects, second edition (2002), is a required textbook. This book is beautifully illustrated and is an excellent reference tool; it will be available to participants at a reduced price of $24.00 (reg. $40). Conditions apply.

Participants must bring their own objects for mounting, although additional objects may be supplied by the sponsoring organization or association. The sponsor must provide, on or near the premises, access to basic woodworking equipment and plenty of work surface space. If possible, the sponsor should organize a tour of an exhibition or storage room.