Jennifer,
Just before I was hired here (21 years ago) the University built a new
gallery for the museum.
The interior movable walls were constructed of 1/4" ply and the
surrounding walls of 3/4".
These wall were covered with a fabric referred to as "Sisal". The fabric
we have is about
1/4" thick with a very heavy but open weave. And I believe very
expensive also. However, over the past
years we have punctured it with every imaginable exhibit hardware.
#10-12 self tapping screws,
drywall screws, every size nail made and some very creative things that
artists have come up with.
And we do around 10 exhibits a year. Anyway, the Sisal is still hanging
in there but the plywood
is wearing out! I did a Google search and found there are many types.
Maybe ask for samples
until you find one that works if you go that route? Oh ya, don't use wax
for putting up labels. After
a few years it does stain and by the time you notice it, it's too late.

Hope this helps,

Jerry Fahey
Exhibits Designer
The University Museum
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville


Reynolds, Jennifer wrote:

>Dear fellow-listers:
>
>We have two galleries that are used for frequently changing exhibits of
>artworks hung using screws, nails, and the like. At one point, the walls
>were painted, but the frequency of exhibits made constant repainting
>impractical (particularly since the galleries are also used as gathering
>places and can't be closed for more than a day or two). We then covered the
>walls with neutral gray carpeting. This solution has not been satisfactory
>because of staining and spotting.
>
>We would welcome any suggestions, recommendations, anecdotes, or cautions
>about what we can do to create self-healing gallery walls that will continue
>to look fresh.
>
>Jennifer Reynolds
>Media Specialist
>San Bernardino County Museum
>2024 Orange Tree Lane
>Redlands, CA 92374
>Phone: 909.798.5048
>Fax: 909.748.7763
>e-mail: [log in to unmask]
>web: www.sbcountymuseum.org
>
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