Metal Mount Making with Sophie Manhire

Ref: M2E35739

Location: West Dean
£520
Book now

Places available

About this course

Museum mounts support and protect objects on display and in storage, acting as a form of preventive conservation, and helping to create a dynamic experience for exhibition visitors.

This course may be of interest to museum technicians looking to expand into mountmaking as well as collections care staff, curators or conservators wishing to understand more about the mountmaking process. It is suitable for beginners or those with some experience of silver soldering and/or working with museum objects.

Course Description

This is a practical course with a focus on making small/medium metal mounts, but will also cover the theory behind mount design which is applicable to larger objects and mounts made in other materials.

Participants will have access to a range of example mounts during the course and be given advice on suppliers for purchasing materials for mountmaking.

By the end of this course you will

  • Have practiced assessing objects and designing mounts for object display
  • Understand how mounts fit into the overall design of an exhibition or gallery
  • Be able to select appropriate museum quality materials for mountmaking
  • Have made one or more mounts using brass, steel and silver soldering
  • Have an understanding of appropriate finishes and barrier materials to use

The number of mounts you make will depend on previous experience and the complexity of your chosen object/s. Suitable practise objects will be available for you to use but you are also welcome to bring something of your own (e.g. a ring, brooch, coin or small object such as a chess piece) to work on.

Course Materials

Included

Materials will be provided for mounts made during the course.

What students need to bring

This course takes place in a workshop environment, so please dress appropriately. This includes stout covered footwear (e.g. trainers or boots). No open-toed shoes, flip flops or sandals. You may wish to bring an apron to protect your clothing. Long hair should be tied back.

Timetable

Timetable

Day 1
16.00-18.30: Registration
18.45: Welcome Talk
19.00: Dinner
20.00-21.00: Talk/Workshop Familiarisation

Day 2
9.00-17.00: Theory and practical sessions

Day 3
9.00-16.00: Theory and practical sessions
16.00-16.30: Issue of certificates. Course ends

General Information

Tutors

Sophie Manhire

Sophie is an experienced museum technician and mountmaker. She worked at the V&A for 10 years and, during this time, was the lead mountmaker on projects including ‘Frida Kahlo: Making Herself Up,’ ‘Epic Iran’ and the new Young V&A museum. 

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Conservation_of_Leather

Conservation of Leather

12 to 15 May 2025 | West Dean
Places available
£614

Identification of Plastic Materials

13 to 14 May 2025 | West Dean
Places available
£410
Art & Object Handling

Art and Object Handling

16 to 20 Jun 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: John Bracken
£994