Mount-making

This workshop starts with a discussion on the functions of mounts for museum objects and the criteria for constructing proper exhibit mounts and storage supports. It then reviews the notions of stress, deformation, elasticity and compressibility. A variety of materials, tools and techniques available for mounting and supporting objects are discussed in terms of their suitability, practicality, advantages and limitations. Instruments and techniques for measuring objects are presented. 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, demonstrated and practised during at least half of the workshop. Each participant is expected to produce one to three mounts during the workshop, depending on experience and on the complexity of their project(s). The workshop ends with a round-table review of the mounts created during the workshop.

Learning objectives

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

• understand and explain why mounts are important and how best they can be designed and tailored to fully protect and support objects
• choose appropriate materials, tools 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

• Functions of mounts for museum objects
• Elasticity and compressibility of objects
• Mechanics of stress and deformation
• Deformation or other damage that may occur over time to an object that is not well-supported
• Damage that may result from the use of inappropriate mounting techniques
• Preventive mindset in approach and design

Materials for mounting

• Issues to think about when selecting mount-making materials
• Review of safe and unsafe materials
• Hands-on presentation of a large array of recommended materials, their properties, uses and limitations: acrylic sheets, polycarbonate sheets, metal wires and solder, wood and wood products, epoxy putty, matboards, foam board, fluted plastic boards, foams, batting, felts and fabrics, rivets, adhesives, etc.
• Practical information, such as the relative cost and typical brand names of materials, and where to order them
• Comparisons between similar materials, their different properties or uses, or the advantage of one over another

Designing and producing a mount

• Discussion and demonstration of the steps to be carried out in a successful mount-making project, followed by a practice period using an object: assessing the object’s needs, establishing display requirements and sketching or designing an appropriate mount design
• Suitability of a mount
• Strategies for counteracting gravity and minimizing stresses
• Weight distribution and stability of the mount and of the object on its mount
• Simplicity of design
• Precautions before starting a project
• Discussion based on images or examples of a variety of mounts, on their design, means of assembly and possible improvements or variations
• Review of typical mount shapes or designs and how they can be tailored for specific needs

Measuring objects

• Overview and demonstration of measuring instruments and techniques
• Marking instruments that are compatible with delicate surfaces

Tools and techniques

• Tools and equipment for all aspects of making mounts, and techniques for using these tools effectively
• Discussions and demonstrations on clamping, cutting, bending, shaping, drilling, adhering, fastening, polishing and finishing various mount-making materials
• Mount construction and assembly techniques
• Different finishing possibilities
• Safe workspaces and workshop practices

Target audience

Individuals responsible for the fabrication of mounts, including designers, museum object preparators, museum technicians and conservators. No experience with mount-making is necessary, although familiarity and safety awareness with simple hand tools is an asset. Participants are encouraged to bring one or two objects with them for mounting.

Language(s)

English and French

Enrolment limits

Minimum 8, maximum 12

Duration

Two days

Special requirements

Facilities

• Lecture space: The lecture space should be large enough to accommodate 12 participants and a variety of tools and supplies comfortably. It should be equipped with a projector, laptop computer, screen, flip chart or blackboard and drapes or blinds on the windows.
• Work space: There should be a work space (adjacent to the lecture space) where it is safe to use hand tools and propane torches. This space should be large enough for 12 workstations and at least 10 (preferably 12 to 14) work tables that are approximately 1 m by 1.5 m. The work space should also be equipped with electrical outlets and ventilation (with fume hoods when possible). The work space should be able to be secured when not in use and should be easily accessible in order to allow the unobstructed transportation and installation of several heavy crates of equipment and materials. Please note that the lecture space and work space can be the same room, so long as it can meet all the requirements.

Health and safety

The workshop includes soldering and may require a hot work permit. Host institutions should therefore consult with their building manager to determine whether a hot work permit is required.

The work space should be equipped with:

• an ABC-type fire extinguisher
• an eyewash station or equivalent
• a first aid kit and a burn kit

Equipment and materials supplied by the host institution

• Two propane torch cylinders, standard size
• Two butane refills (lighter fuel refills)
• Methylene chloride solvent (acrylic solvent, sold at acrylic sheet retailers), small bottle (100 ml)
• A selection (approximately 12) of small to medium-size objects to be mounted
• Small stocks of plexiglass and foam materials (if possible)