vlisab2004@hotmail.com 3/11/16
HI All,
Does anyone know of the guidelines to make a slant board for a large blanket (5 ft by 4 ft)? I need to convey to a preparator what to make.
Or does anyone have any other suggestions?
Thanks, Lisa
Philip Brutz
3/11/16
The degree of slant would depend on how fragile the blanket is. Have you consulted with a textile conservator?
Philip Brutz
Mount Maker
Exhibition Production
The Cleveland Museum of Art
11150 East Boulevard
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-1797
T 216-707-2617
F 216-707-6687
Lisa B 3/11/16
HI Philip,
That is a good idea. I was thinking there was general guidelines and that I should talk to a conservator.
Thanks, Lisa
Philip Brutz
3/11/16
I have attached three photos from our pre-Columbian gallery showing the range of slant that we use depending on the condition of the textile. Our conservator determines the angle.
Best Philip
Philip Brutz T 216-707-2617
Jamie Hascall 3/11/16
I generally judge the acceptable level of slant to depend both on the fragility of the textile, as well as the level of "tooth" that the surface of the object presents. For example, an object made of a fuzzy wool will have the friction to grip an underlying fabric such as felt or ultrasuede far better than a smooth surfaced silk fabric, and thus be able to be safely displayed at a steeper slant. Overall object weight will also be a factor. Quilts can be difficult for the reason that their mass will overcome the available friction. Sometimes, you just have to build the slant board (or a prototype) and gently try slanting the object to the point of sliding. It doesn't help with exhibit design, but is the "real world" way to judge. Along with that, building vibrations can lead to movement over time. A useful strategy for counteracting the sliding forces is using rare earth magnets to grip the top edge. This leads to judgements about object strength and compressibility. (Will the squeezing leave compression marks?) To counteract the latter and to avoid the object scalloping along the top edge, we would embed magnets in the slant board, and use a thin strip of padded steel on top of the object to evenly distribute the pressure. It's not a perfect solution, but it has its uses. Good luck, Jamie
Jamie Hascall Craftsman, Trainer, Consultant Mountmakingfocus.com jamie@mountmakingfocus.com Seattle, WA 206-954-4141
Shelly
3/15/16
FW: [mountmaking-forum] Slant board specifications for fragile textile, large blanket
This from Gwen Spicer, textile conservator and expert on magnet use – regarding magnet use for quilts: Dear Lisa and Jamie, Your question and concern about the use of magnets is quite commendable. It is clear that you understand how quilts are more three-dimensional than most textiles; thus having additional concerns. You mention "mass" but that is really the 3-D aspect of that type of artifact. This makes their mounting more complex, as you clearly stated. This is especially true if they are fragile and have deteriorated layers as clearly you are concerned with, even without mentioning it. I commend you with this insight and observation. I have just written a blog post on this very subject (http://insidetheconservatorsstudio.blogspot.com/2016/03/mounting-quilts-with-magnets-for.html - It is very much the beginning of this very discussion). The use of magnets are not straight forward - as you might realize. However there might be a use with holding the piece against gravity on a slant board as you describe. What I do see is when magnets are used on the top face surface of a quilt that there is a "tufting" effect. This might not be the intent with your mounting. What I describe in the blog post is a system that is behind the quilt. I will say here that clearly that there is need for a mixture of systems. 1. An upper edge system (as described in the blogpost; 2. Additional locally positioned magnets that are positioned on the upper surface of the quilt. I am most willing to discuss more ideas and comments with you and others on this and other magnetic systems. Best Gwen - - - - - - - - - Spicer Art Conservation, LLC 518 / 765-2142 www.spicerart.com Inside the Conservator's Studio
Lisa B 3/15/16
Thanks Jamie and Gwen,
Thanks for responding. I should make it clear though that the blanket is wool but very large, 10 ft by 4 ft. They were thinking to fold it in half so making it 5 ft by 4 ft and making it a little heavy.
Both you have given me really great advice!
Gwen, I might be contacting you with more specific questions.
Thanks again,
Lisa
Pamela Gaible 3/15/16
If textile quilt is folded you may need to fold it over a tube or rounded piece of furniture so it does not get a hard crease. The tube can then be mounted to a slant board for added support for the length or height of the object. Padding the fold is yet another option.Best, Pam