Mannequins & Mounts
Archival Framing
Mounting & Hanging Systems
Double-sided Mounts
Storage Mounts
Custom Mannequins & Mounts
Mannequin Focused Exhibits
On-site Exhibit Preparations & Mannequin Dressing
Archival Framing
Archival framing is the best means to protect your artifact and family heirloom, by surrounding it with inherently acid-free materials. Either the current frame or a new one is chosen from the selection at the studio of Spicer Art Conservation, LLC. The frame is sealed to prevent any dirt and dust to enter. Each mount is custom made and is always adapted to best fit the needs for the artifact and owner.
Mounting & Hanging Systems
1. Velcro Mounting - Large and sturdy textiles, like
quilts, coverlets, tapestries, and rugs can be displayed
with the use of a Velcro system. The soft-side of the
Velcro is prepared and hand stitched to the artifact. A
thin-profile aluminum slat with the hook-side of the Velcro
is attached to the wall.
2. Small & Thin-profile Mounts - Custom mounts are made
for small-framed textiles, like needlework and
embroideries. Maximum effort is used to retain all original
materials, such as glass and wooden backing boards, within
the framing. Isolating layers are incorporated to insure
that archival materials only surround the artifacts.
3. Solid Supports for Large Artifacts - For very large
textiles like Flags and Quilts a lightweight and non-torque
material is necessary. Such a mount is constructed from
aluminum honeycomb. The materials used in its construction
do not release harmful pollutants and are buffered against
acid migration. The surface of the mount is prepared with
needle-punched batting and display fabric. The mount can be
covered with ultra-violet light filtered Plexiglas secured
with a powdered-coated metal frame in order to give the
best overall protection.
A three-dimensional mount was
created for this very large National flag.
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Double-sided Mounts
Many artifacts to be mounted are
double-sided. Spicer Art Conservation has designed mounts
that meet clients wishes to see both sides. Windows are
incorporated into the back of the mount. See more by
reading about the Cavalry Banner.
Removing the display fabric
from the window.
A two-sided flag mounted on
each side of one mount.
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Storage Mounts
The treatment of artifacts often includes the preparation
of a rehousing or boxing unit as options for a full mount.
Custom Mannequins & Mounts
Custom built mannequins and mounts are made from Ethafoam
to fit the artifact and supported with an armature. The
Ethafoam mannequins are individually carved, covered with
soft needle-punched batting, stockinet and a display fabric
when needed. When necessary detachable arms are included.
Mounts are constructed in the same manner with Ethafoam or
from acrylic.
Armor from the
Seward Museum in Auburn, NY.
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Mannequins Focused Exhibits
Spicer Art Conservation, LLC is able to constructed large
groups of custom built mannequins and mounts for entire
exhibits. Past projects have included specific designed of
33 mannequins each.
Woven by the
Grandmothers, National Museum of American Indian
America by
Air, National Air & Space Museum
More about the
mannequins' construction can be found at their
website. Click
here.
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On Site Exhibit Preparations & Mannequin
Dressing
For existing mounting systems that need to be retrofitted
to exhibit your collections properly. For institutions that
have costume collections that need to be exhibited on
existing mannequin forms, Spicer Art Conservation, LLC will
prepare your mannequins to properly fit their specific
garments. Proper handling and dressing techniques are
always used.
