Ken,

        I must concur with Christopher Henry Whittle in his statement that
experience is the only real teacher for prep skills. This is especially
obvious when one looks at what is expected by those exhibit developers and
commitee members who have never actually built exhibits.
        However, there are references available that are worth reading in
conjunction with this sort of learning. The Museum Methods series from the
British Columbia Provincial Museum are a little old (late 70's) but were
well thought out and nicely written.  I don't know of their availability,
but you could check with the University of Victoria Cultural Resource
Management Program (http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/crmp/).
        Article #6 in this series, "In Support of Difficult Shapes" by
Phillip R. Ward, was given to me to read when I was first taught
mountmaking by Gary Wingert at the Burke Museum in Seattle. It is a
wonderful piece of writing and formed the basis for my further work with
mounts, as well as the writing of my masters thesis "Conservationally Sound
Mounts". If I get a little time in the future, I hope to turn the thesis
into a full manual. Until then, it is available in it's present form by
contacting me.
        I believe the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) has
publications on exhibit fabrication standards, as does the National Park
Service ("Guidelines for Exhibit Fabrication" by Toby Rafael). The
Smithsonian and the Getty Museum may also have publications available.
        Don't overlook classes and seminars that are available throughout
the country. The Campbell Center in Mount Carrol IL (815-244-1173) mostly
has classes for conservators, but includes some on mount and mannequin
construction. Also pay attention to events announced here on the list.
        Good luck in your search, and prepare yourself for hard work,
deadlines, wierd politics, and low pay. Just remember that it's still
better than most of the alternatives.

Jamie

>From:    Ken Bloom <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: preparators manual

>Would anyone please suggest an excellent guide to the art of the preparator?
>There must be some favorite sources out there.


>From:    christopher henry whittle <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: preparatory skills

>Volunteer at a local museum or college.  Reading Rixon, Leiggi or any
>book is no experience at all.  Preparation is an art and it requires an
>apprenticeship (and an inordinate amount of patience).


Jamie Hascall
Hascall Museum Services:
2335 N. 61st Seattle, Washington 98103
Mountmaking Services, Seminars and Consulting
[log in to unmask] (206) 525-6941