This four-day workshop explores the how and why of museum exhibit mountmaking with an emphasis on object safety and preventive conservation. The first two days we’ll teach methods for analyzing objects for their condition and balance, making templates for accurate mount fabrication, and the construction of mounts in brass and other metals. Hands-on practice in metal forming, silver brazing, and mechanical fastenings will be integral to the workshop.

Ian working at the vise.

The third and fourth days will focus on working with plastics for mountmaking, including mount design considerations, fabrication, and finishing of mounts made from acrylic sheet, Vivak, and other suitable plastics. We may also work with mounts for textiles or other specialized object types, as well as discussing basic principles of seismic stabilization. The direction of this part of the workshop is somewhat determined by the interests of the participants.

The full workshop is $800 plus a $50 materials fee.

The two-day sections of the workshop can be taken as individual sessions for $400 plus $25 materials fee. Please contact us for registration details or with any questions regarding this or future training workshops and opportunities.