Wooden hangers are recommended in the Manitoba Heritage Conservation Service
manual which  is supported by the Michigan Museums Association, and in
numerous other sources. I believe the view is that the layers of polyester
batting and the layer of sheeting help to buffer the acidic properties of
the wooden hanger. Also, the wooden hangers are durable and usually wider so
they can support the garment well. The garment never comes into contact with
the hanger. Ideally, most garments shouldn't be hung, but most of us cannot
afford thousands of textile boxes nor do we have the space to put such
boxes.

Gee, sorry if I sound defensive, but I guess I am a little bit. I, as most
caretakers of collections, put a lot of thought and research into the
materials we utilize for storage and exhibitions of collections. These are
not decisions made in haste.

Thanks for listening.

Teresa M. Goforth
Executive Director
Courthouse Square

> From: Terry Vidal <[log in to unmask]>
> Organization: University of Northern Iowa
> Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2000 13:55:54 -0500
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: costume hangers
>
> I'm suprised I haven't seen conservators pipe up on this one. I'm no
> conservator, but I know that most plastics and wood products are not
> archivally accepted and should therefor preclude use as storage mediums.
> Naturally if there is an archival quality hanger on the market buy it.
> Chances are the following method is as acceptable and much cheaper.
>
> We use plain painted steel hangers padded using strips of 1/16"
> ethafoam. The ethafoam not only pads, but acts as a barrier between the
> hanger and costume. I cut a strip about 2.5" wide, by a suitable length
> (enough to cover the metal from shoulder to shoulder). I poke the hanger
> through the center of two strips of ethafoam, tinker, and secure using
> 25 lb. nylon fishing line. This provides adequate padding and protection
> in what I believe to be an archivally sound way. If you need more
> padding, just use more layers of ethafoam. If you need a more robust
> hanger, just add another one to this system. This method is used for
> hanging sturdy pieces. Fragile material is folded into economic acid
> free 5" X 16" X 20" boxes with ethafoam used for both padding the folds
> and separating the objects, or material is rolled, which ever is most
> appropriate.  I should write this up some time.
>
> I hope this helps.
>
> Terry Vidal
> --
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> TAG - YOU'RE 'IT'
> Terry Vidal
> Collections Manager
> University Museum
> University Of Northern Iowa
>
> [log in to unmask]
> http://www.uni.edu/museum
>
> If you can read this YOU'RE close enough.
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