JEN SIMONS, MOUNT-MAKER
 

Courtesy of the University of Pennsylvania, Anthropology and Archaeology

Two monumental stone fragments from the Southern Xiangtangshan Caves, Echoes of the Past, Freer-Sackler, The Smithsonian's Museums of Asian Art, a loan from the University of Pennsylvania, Anthropology and Archaeology

The structural steel mount provides seismic mitigation and is connected with the object through a series of stainless steel threaded rods. This mount has the ability to utilize base isolators as required by certain venues. When the base isolators are removed, the mount is able to stand alone with a removable base plate of 1/2” x 36” steel. This mount weighs approximately 300 lbs. The design has received engineer approval.

Mountmaker/Designer: Jen Simons, 2010, MOUNTWORK, LLC

 

Jade view from behind

A single, delicate brass mount fully and discreetly supports this fragile piece.

 Mountmaker: Jen Simons, 2013, MOUNTWORK, LLC

 

Courtesy of the Alabama Department of Archives & History

Civil War frock coats, Alabama Voices exhibition, Alabama Department of Archives & History

Each custom form has been carved from a solid block of ethafoam to meet the specific needs and dimensions of the garments. The padded body forms are covered in stockinette with a stitched linen detail. The internal structures are stainless steel with a locking steel stand. Significant consideration has been given to mitigate stress and fatigue.

 Mountmaker: Jen Simons, 2013/2014, MOUNTWORK, LLC

 


The two-piece mount is within the interior of the skull and mechanically fastens to prohibit slippage. The mount and skull can be removed from the steel base where it is held in place with a set screw.

 Mountmaker: Jen Simons, 2013, MOUNTWORK, LLC

 

Courtesy of the Alabama Department of Archives & History

War log, Alabama Voices exhibition, Alabama Department of Archives & History

The structural steel mount follows the contours of this heavy Civil War artifact. The mount is fully padded and includes mechanical fasteners and steel clips. When installed, the artifact is displayed in the upright position, its weight cantilevered upwards and off the case furniture. This mount discreetly supports the full, awkward weight of the piece.

Mountmaker: Jen Simons, 2013/2014, MOUNTWORK, LLC

 

Spoon/ladle, Wyandot; circa 1730, Catalog #14/960

A view of the mount before padding and painting - this gravity mount gently cradles a carved maple spoon.

Mountmaker: Jen Simons, 2009, Surroundart

 

Courtesy of the the Sigal Museum

Assorted Martin guitars, hand tools and ephemera, Martin Guitar Case, Sigal Museum/North Hampton County Genealogical & Historical Society

Discreet steel supports and custom brass mounts allow all objects in the case to be viewed without obstruction from all vantage points.

Mountmaker: Jen Simons, 2012, MOUNTWORK, LLC

 


This two-piece mount is within the interior of the skull and mechanically fastens to prohibit slippage.

Mountmaker: Jen Simons, 2013, MOUNTWORK, LLC

 

Courtesy of the Alabama Department of Archives & History

Civil War canteens, Alabama Voices, Alabama Department of Archives & History

 

Each canteen is independently supported by a custom brass mount and stem.  Consideration was given to mounting the canteen straps, however, after a condition review with museum staff, it was determined that they were in no jeopardy and allowed to drape naturally for aesthetic effect. 

Mountmaker: Jen Simons, 2013/2014, MOUNTWORK, LLC