Liz, I saw some paper wigs at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan
Museum of Art a few years back and they were made from what appeared to be
beige tissue paper randomly accordion-folded and flattened in the long
direction to make separate locks, curls, etc and then somehow
stiffened...perhaps with liquid laundry starch?  I'm not sure.  I do
remember very elegant up-do's with ringlet curls that were simple and
elegant.  I think the mannequins' faces were also a neutral creamy color,
rather close to the color of the wigs.  I cannot remember now what the
exhibit was about, but the museum person in me was so impressed by the
success of the rendering of hair that I feel compelled to mention it to you
now!  At the time I was a grad student, and my impression of the Costume
Institute was that the staff were more friendly and approachable than I
expected.

Good Luck!

Ellen Carrlee
Curator of Collections and Exhibits
Juneau-Douglas City Museum

>-----Original Message-----
>From: Liz Jones [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
>Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2003 10:34 AM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Exhibit props and mannequins
>
>
>Hi. I have a few questions regarding colors for museum props
>or platforms
>and mannequins. We will be opening an exhibit on wedding
>rituals this winter
>and want a new look for our mannequins. I have seen various
>colors that they
>have been painted and was wondering what those of you who use them do.
>Currently, our mannequins are a not so wonderful shade of
>metallic bronze.
>They are a distraction in the galleries. We are going to paint
>them but need
>input. Also, what do you do for hair? Do you use wigs, paper,
>etc.? If you
>use paper, can you provide us with a good source or type that
>we can use? Do
>you have directions for making paper wigs? Also, what color do
>you paint
>your exhibit furniture? Do you paint it the same color as your floor or
>gallery walls? I would appreciate any and all input. Thanks.
>
>Elizabeth Nohra
>Mahoning Valley Historical Society
>Youngstown, OH
>330-743-2589
>
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