• Tips and Solutions

    Google SketchUp 

    by
    Chris Barber
    Published on 03-13-2010 03:26 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Technology,
    3. Project Management
    Article Preview

    SketchUp can be a pretty helpful tool to have in a project manager's bag of tricks. It's the simplest 3D graphics program that I've seen for its versatility, and worth a try for anyone who likes to think visually from time to time.




    The basic program is a free download, and the 'Pro' version is about $400 and change. The added functionality of the full version is a little esoteric in the context of how I use it. Among other things, it allows the user to import/export files with CAD and other 3D applications.

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    Diagonal Solutions 

    Published on 03-09-2010 11:11 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Crating,
    3. Tools/Equipment,
    4. Casework/Fabrication
    Article Preview

    Submitted by Mark Wamaling
    Originally published 6/21/09







    Most of us have experienced trying to fit an oversized painting or crate through doorways of a building, truck or airplane. As much as we try to pre-plan for such a move we realize there is geometry involved that brings back memories of grade school math class and the Pythagorean Theorem. There is a way to determine what size painting or crate will fit into any doorway by utilizing this math principle as well as ...
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    Trolley Blocks 

    Published on 03-09-2010 01:00 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Tools/Equipment,
    3. Rigging
    Article Preview

    Compiled by Ashley McGrew
    Originally Posted 7/25/09





    Using a chain hoist on a standard trolley (not a geared type) means that the load can move easily along the axis of the gantry’s I-beam. This is what makes you able to move a load from one location to another if required. This ease of movement can also be useful because when lifting irregularly shaped objects (like sculpture versus say a ...
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    The Genesis of the National Gallery Case Roller 

    Published on 03-08-2010 11:37 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Art/Object Handling,
    3. Tools/Equipment,
    4. Casework/Fabrication
    Article Preview

    Submitted by Mark Slattery
    Originally published 1/15/09



    One of the perennial problems for preparators in the museum and gallery context is the repeated flatting and raising of picture containers many of which can have considerable heft. At the National Gallery, London, we routinely used to place foam blocks on the floor and manually lower the containers onto these pads. Depending on size and weight, additional staff would be required to ‘foot’ the container to avoid it slipping out at the bottom as the case tilts. Typically, these operations will tie-up five technicians
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    Defying Gravity: Hanging a Large 2-dimensional Object 

    Published on 03-08-2010 01:43 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Fasteners/Hardware,
    3. Installation
    Article Preview

    By Richard Hinson

    I can’t say how many times I’ve been asked the question, “How did you get that painting to stay on the wall?” Hanging a large painting on a wall poses many challenges and great potential for catastrophe. There are several factors that need to be assessed before proceeding with hanging a large, heavy painting. The weight alone of a large painting creates the possibility of dropping the object damaging both the frame and the painting, not to mention the potential of injury to     ...
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    Hiring Art Handling Staff or Building a Perfect Monster 

    Published on 03-08-2010 01:32 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Art/Object Handling,
    3. Resources,
    4. Project Management

    Presented at the PACIN Workshop on May 5, 2005 in Indianapolis, Indiana
    by Richard Hinson

    When we need to hire new staff, for most of us in the art handling business, experienced art handlers are hard to find. My experience has taught me that art handlers are created, not found. Like Victor Frankenstein did with his creation, we have to find the most qualified, best candidates for the job and piece by piece create an art handler. Sometimes the best candidate is someone with no former art handling experience.
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    Why a Mount? 

    Published on 03-08-2010 12:41 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Materials,
    3. Installation,
    4. Security
    Article Preview

    By Steve Short, Portland Art Museum



    Evolution and production of exhibit object mounts arise out of a variety of reasons:

    • The need or desire to optimize "view"-ability within the context of the display.
    • To provide or maintain a degree of security for the object.
    • Geographical factors, the museum or gallery is in an area known to experience the occasional earthquake, tremor or seismic jolt.
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