There is an excellent article titled "Designing an Exhibition to
Minimize Risks to Costumes on Open Display in "The Conservator," Vol 29,
2005/6 published by ICON (The Institute of Conservation) which is a
professional organization for Conservators in the UK. The beginning of
the abstract states: "This paper explores the ways in which the
conservation concerns of a recent contemporary costume exhibition at the
Museum of London were greatly reduced by innovative use of design.
Unusually, the majority of the 129 costumes both historic and
contemporary, were on open display. The advantages and disadvantages of
displaying costume items outside showcases are detailed...The paper
describes the collaboration between the Conservation and Design
departments in creating a layout for the exhibition that minimised risk
of damage from visitor touching and dust."

Although this article describes actions taken on a very high-end
exhibition, it explains principals and research applicable to any
costume museum, even at the historic house level.

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