You can support them relatively easily with ethafoam pieces glued to acid free board covered in a thin layer of poly batting and teflon sheeting stretched over it (called museum wrap I believe in teh Gaylord catalog) The surface will only touch the very very soft pillow like covering so it cannot get scratched and with blocks (or triangles) you can create a recessed surface to support the piece. By cutting small slits in the ethafoam you can hold the batting and teflon in place with a bone folder smushing the edges into the foam. 

I would be happy to explain further if you would like some images of what I mean, etc. if you wish to email me. 

Elizabeth Walton


-----Original Message-----
>From: Alexandra Trumbull <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Sep 12, 2008 1:59 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Storage/preservation of soapstone?
>
>Hello,
>  
>I am looking for insight and suggestions from museums with collections of soapstone figures as to the most ideal way to store and house them. The extremely easily scratchable surfaces make padding or supports a challenge, but leaving them open on shelves assures the necessity of future dusting, which could also potentially scratch the surfaces.
>   
>  Any comments are greatly appreciated. 
>   
>  Thank you,
>   
>  Alexandra Trumbull
>  Conservation Technician
>  Indiana Historical Society
>  [log in to unmask]
>   
>
>
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