
Welcome
WHAT IS MOUNTMAKING?
Mountmaking is the process of designing, fabricating and installing supports – called “mounts”, “brackets,” or “armatures” – for safe display or storage of artworks, artifacts, or natural history specimens. A well-made mount should help protect the object from external hazards or inherent structural weaknesses while enhancing the viewer’s experience.
LATEST NEWS & INFO

2025 AIC MWG/IMF Collaborative Forum:
Mountmaking Materials: Coatings and Barriers
Thursday April 3
3-5:30pm EST
Virtual
The American Institute for Conservation's Materials Working Group Fact Sheet Group and the International Mountmakers Forum will host a virtual forum to discuss collaborative decision-making in selecting materials for mount fabrication. Decisions around mount fabrication are guided by materials testing, require creative problem solving and risk management, and involve dialogue between conservators and mountmakers.
In this forum, we will explore models of collaboration between these stakeholders, as well as illuminate the role and nuances of materials testing. The forum will include short presentations on Oddy testing and examples of collaborations between mountmakers and conservators. The presentations will be followed by a semi-structured question and answer session with a small group of panelists. We invite mountmakers, conservators, scientists, and other museum professionals to attend this forum.
In preparation for this event, we are asking for your input on the materials you use (or want to use) as barriers and coatings for your mounts.
We will compile and share answers at the event but will keep names and institutions or companies anonymous.
Please respond by March 28, 2025.
Registration info is coming soon!
Connect with mountmakers
Publications, mountmaking by subject & online resources
Past & future fora
Materials, tools & equipment
Training & workshop
Database of mountmakers
The IMF currently has three
t-shirt designs which support charities associated with the arts/museums.
All proceeds go to charity.