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I am working on an exhibit
of swuimsuits (1890's to 1970's). The older suits, of course,
are made of natural fibers (silk, cotton and wool knits); the modern
suits of synthetic fibers (nylon and spandex). They will be
displayed on ethaform forms and the dressed forms set into standard
closed musuem cases. No part of the costume will be in
contact with the case decks.
The exhibit designer intends on covering the case
decks with sand, simulating a beach setting. Has anyone encountered
this choice of material before? Perhaps those of you working in
natural history museums? What were the issues/concerns you had
to deal with in respect to the artifacts? (I can only imagine the
maintenance/cleaning problems....) Is there a particular type of
sand that should be used? Should the sand be "processed" in some manner
(e.g., sterilzed)? Or should sand be eliminated
altogether?
Any thoughts you have will be appreciated.
Thanks.
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