Conservation and Mountmaking: Seismic Mountmaking
Research and design of methods to protect artworks in areas with active earthquakes
Project Details
- Categories
- Years 2018 – present
- Status
- Organizer
About
Goal
Seismic mountmaking aims to not only fulfill the basic display requirements for an artwork, but also provide resistance against the forces of an earthquake. The mountmakers and conservators in the Antiquities and Decorative Arts and Sculpture conservation departments evaluate every object that goes on display for some degree of seismic protection. Care is taken to design discreet mount systems to minimize distracting elements from the display.
Outcomes
Initial foundational research is the cornerstone of Getty’s seismic mountmaking methodology and has subsequently been adopted by museums around the world. Sharing information and discoveries is critical to advances in mountmaking technology. From 2006–-2010, Getty organized a series of symposiums called “Advances in the Protection of Museum Collections from Earthquake Damage” held in Los Angeles, Istanbul, Athens, Tokyo, and Palermo. Getty is also hosting the ongoing International Mountmakers Forum in 2022.
Background
Methodology
Designs range from simple methods of securing the object, such as microcrystalline wax and monofilament ties, to complex base isolation systems.
An example of our ongoing research is the use of a bi-axial shake table that simulates the horizontal forces of an earthquake. This can provide invaluable insights on how a mounting system might perform during a real earthquake.
Contact the Team
Getty Staff
Jane Bassett
Senior Conservator, Decorative Arts and Sculpture Conservation
BJ Farrar
Senior Mountmaker, Decorative Arts and Sculpture Conservation
Susanne Gänsicke
Senior Conservator, Antiquities Conservation
Richard Hards
Senior Mountmaker, Decorative Arts and Sculpture Conservation
Timothy Skornia
Senior Mountmaker, Antiquities Conservation
Resources
- 2021
Video
Film 7 from the International Mountmakers Forum
- 2012
Video
Protecting Art in an Earthquake: Seismic Isolator Technology
- 2012
Journal article
Short Communication: Improved Mounting System for An Ancient Bronze Torso of a Youth
- 2008
Publication
Advances in the Protection of Museum Collections from Earthquake Damage: Papers from a Symposium Held at the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Villa on May 3–4, 2006