Magnets for exhibition mounting

Metta Humle Jorgensen <mette.humle [at] natmus__dk> writes

>Has anyone used magnets/magnetic for exhibition mounting? If so,
>what is your experience with it?

We have found neodymium (rare earth) magnets to be extremely useful
for mounting objects.  We have used them in several different ways
to mount large flat pieces including decorated barkcloth and
textile.  We have found they can be used to hold a perspex bar in
place to support a large flat item, covered with acid-free paper
(coloured to match the object) over the face of the object. We tend
to place small polythene foam pads between the object and the
magnets or metal plates to which they are held. They are also useful
for securing large flat items to support boards while they are
moved--tissue or suitable soft cloth can be laid over the item and
held in place with magnets on either side of the backing board. This
supports the object, preventing it from sliding or moving off the
board as it is carried.   We have not used any for permanent mounts
as we like to assess the objects every few months and move the
magnets occasionally to make sure they do not cause localised
crushing (or magnetising) of the object's surface.

The magnets are also extremely useful for clamping items while they
are reshaped, interfaced with PTFE cloth or shaped supports, using
the magnets to apply pressure to the area while consolidants or
adhesives harden.

Many tool companies supply them in the form of discs, rings,
cylinders and bars. Suppliers are quite easily found using the
internet search engines.

Helena Jaeschke
Conservation Development Officer
Royal Albert Memorial Museum
Exeter Ark
Exton Road
Marsh Barton
Exeter EX2 8LX
+44 1392 665951


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 22:26
                 Distributed: Sunday, November 2, 2008
                       Message Id: cdl-22-26-009
                                  ***