What I have found with the archival forms is that some of them can be
altered pretty easily. For instance, the ones I am most familiar with
have a stockinette type covering over padding over foam.  Take them down
to the foam and you find foam blocks that can be spread apart or removed
as needed to change the shape.  Of course they work best if you start
with one close to the size you need but you can do a lot of modification
relatively quickly.  I haven't used mannequins per se but the forms.  
 
>>> Candace Perry <[log in to unmask]> 1/14/2011 9:21 AM >>>

Of course you*re right; the key is to not force anything and be
gentleand insofar as I have used them with the padding out, they have
worked. However, we do use them with 18th century garments, and with
everything else, only the costumes that are sturdy enough for exhibition
on them.  I don*t want to seem irresponsible by ourchasing Dorfman
mannequins! 
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Elizabeth Walton
Sent: Friday, January 14, 2011 10:11 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] archival mannequin distributor?
 The only forms that are archival chemically are ethafoam forms like
those sold by Dorfman (or custom made ones), but the shape does not fit
every costume (and I personally find the shoulder shape to be very
awkward). Damage to costumes is usually more from ill fitting forms and
bad handling than from offgassing, so sometimes altered regular
mannequins or standard dress forms can be a better choice. Goldsmith
carries some really nice dress forms that have some historic shapes and
also some that are small enough to be easily padded out for proper fit
for photography or display. When shaping mannequins, pantyhose and
batting are your new best friends for giving a smooth barrier to prevent
ripping out linings and to give proper support. There are some guides
and lectures available through Costume Society of America and I would be
happy to answer any questions to help. 
 
Elizabeth Walton
www.waltonmuseumservices.com  
 
 On Fri, Jan 14, 2011 at 9:32 AM, Candace Perry
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:Dorfman * we have 5 or 6 * they are
sturdy and excellent for 19th century dresses.  And not hugely
expensive!Candace Perry 
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Michael Reuter
Sent: Friday, January 14, 2011 9:19 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] archival mannequin distributor?
 Hi all, The Society is looking to purchase several archival mannequins
for both exhibition & collections management use. Does anyone have a
contact or business that they use to purchase these from?  Thanks!
Michael ReuterCurator of Collections/RegistrarMilwaukee County
Historical Society910 N. Old World 3rd St.Milwaukee, WI
53203414-273-8288 



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