In this meeting of the EACF/SHARE conservation network, we will be exploring the challenges and conservation considerations of safely suspending or “floating” museum objects for exhibition and display.
Speakers from a range of institutions, including national and regional museums and private practice, will share their experiences of creating aesthetically pleasing and dynamic displays, be they permanent or temporary, with the emphasis on object preservation.
In keeping with the network’s aims of improving knowledge and skills alongside developing networking opportunities for museum professionals, this meeting looks into an area of museum work that requires collaboration between disciplines, with ample opportunity for discussion and skills sharing.
There is a £5 fee to attend, payable at the door.
Refreshments and lunch will be provided
This event is suitable for: Conservators, prospective conservators, curators, and those commissioning or managing conservation/exhibition work
Programme
10-10.30am Arrivals, registration & coffee
10.30/35am Welcome, notices, introduction to the day
10.45am Claire Reed, Southend Museums Service – Bathing Belles, Buckram and Bent Fingers. Mounting historic swimwear for display.
11.10am Helen Walker, Natural History Museum – Specimens Floating, Hovering and Flying without Strings – Three examples of ‘floating’ displays at the NHM. A Marlin that wants to sink or swim, a Whale stomach light display and Entomology specimens on the move.
11.35am George Monger, Freelance Conservator/Consultant – Floating (my) boat – well ship. Consideration of the options and ethical issues in the support and presentation of the Cutty Sark.
12.00am Panel Q&A – morning speakers
12.20-1.30pm Lunch (provided), networking & explore the Castle Museum. Claire Reed will be bringing examples of buckram costume mounts for viewing and will be available over lunch to chat to attendees.
1.35pm Introduction to afternoon session
1.40pm Shelley Seston & Simon Prentice, British Museum – Creating a mountmaking house-style and supporting training course at The British Museum. How The British Museum approached the standardisation of mountmaking , including the development of an in-house style guide, training course with supporting training material and standard working procedures.
2.05pm Jon White, Imperial War Museum, Duxford – Suspending Aircraft (title tbc)
2.30pm David Harvey, Norfolk Museums Service – Trials with a contemporary art mobile – The Grand Release – The complexities and challenges of contemporary art installation
2.55pm Panel Q&A – afternoon speakers
3.20 pm Meeting closes, final notices
3.30pm Tea and depart
If you have any questions regarding the event please contact Claire Reed (clairereed@southend.gov.uk) or Dave Harvey (david.harvey@norfolk.gov.uk)
Terms & Conditions:
Full details of our programmes conditions can be found on our website.
By booking a place on to SHARE Museums East Training Programme, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions:
- That you are from an East of England museum or heritage organisation which is in the Arts Council England’s Accreditation Scheme. Where this is not applicable you acknowledge that so that we can aim to facilitate your attendance if we can. (This may involve a fee).
- It is a condition of receiving this ACE funded training that the online evaluation sent to the email address provided at the point of booking is completed by the specified deadline. This deadline is in the email notification unless a paper evaluation is specifically requested and submitted on the day of the training session.
- By booking a place you agree that you are booking as a representative of your organisation and should you cancel your booking without sufficient notice your organisation is responsible for paying the late cancellation fee of £50.
