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 Reuter Curator of Collections/Registrar Milwaukee County Historical Society 910 N. Old World 3rd St. Milwaukee, WI 53203 414-273-8288 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).