Course description
A wide choice of primary training is available in this country in aspects of object care. There are relatively few opportunities for conservation professionals to find specialist training to enhance their knowledge of materials and techniques. West Dean College has developed a series of short courses aimed at meeting this training need.
Mountmaking for museum exhibits has been practised for years to boost an object’s aesthetic appeal. More recent is an emphasis on the role of proper mounts as a tool of preventive conservation. The two missions can coexist and this course will explore the logic, methods and materials to accomplish this goal. Participants will learn methods for assessing the condition and needs of the object and fitting that into the context of a designed exhibit.
Theory
All mountmaking must have the safety and longevity of the object as the central focus, with the giving of appropriate support and retention to the object a key factor. The tenets of conservation will guide the process and inform the choice of materials and methods. Mounting considerations for diverse types of objects will be discussed, as will basic principles of seismic stabilization.
Techniques
The hands-on work will involve assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the object, followed by transferring design ideas into tangible form through the use of templates and final fabrication and fitting of the mount. Fabrication techniques of cutting, shaping, and joining metals, plastics, and other materials will be explored.
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