Magnets for exhibition mounting

Metta Humle Jorgensen <mette.humle [at] natmus__dk> writes

>Has anyone used magnets/magnetic for exhibition mounting? If so,
>what is your experience with it?

I have used Neodymium magnets for mounting paper and other artefacts
and found them to be versatile and effective. The magnets were
obtained from a schools supplier in the UK, but should be available
from a number of specialist outlets. The magnets are cylindrical,
have a silvery plated finish and are available in number of
diameters from approx 8 to 30mm. In the display case their
appearance is quite neutral and does not distract the eye. Objects
can be mounted by being sandwiched between pairs of magnets, or as
you have mentioned, a magnet and a steel disc. The first method is
recommended for heavier items. Alternatively, pairs of magnets with
the mounting panel in between can be used simply as rests for an
object.

There are some important things to note: Neodymium permanent magnets
are very powerful and should be handled and stored carefully, they
can give the fingertips quite a nip as they attract each other
strongly and at speed. A pair of them will stay in place by
attraction either side of the palm of one's hand. Once magnets are
in direct contact with one another it is not so easy to separate
them. It will be necessary to interleave stored magnets with pieces
of board or plastic and it is advisable to keep watches, credit
cards and magnetic information storage devices et cetera at some
distance.

Mark Hingley
Development Conservator
Willard Conservation


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 22:27
                 Distributed: Sunday, November 9, 2008
                       Message Id: cdl-22-27-002
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