2022-05-31
First test hangings at the MRE
As with any major building project, there is also a sample wall on the Reinhard Ernst Museum construction site. It has been prepared with all the details such as fire alarms, light fixtures or even handrails and enables the tradesmen to coordinate procedures and show samples of work at their final quality stage. Only once the sample wall work has been accepted is the construction management allowed to have it used in the museum.
The sample wall was also a welcome opportunity for the MRE team and especially for the restorer, curator and exhibition technicians to test the various hanging systems and their fastenings in advance and on site. It was important to assess the advantages and disadvantages of each hook and to take account of safety aspects in the process. For this purpose, the restorer produced some empty frames of various sizes with thick wooden panels. Large and heavy pictures in particular, several of which Reinhard Ernst has in his collection, may develop what is known as the butterfly effect or slight warping. This is why they require individually adjustable and strong wall mountings.
The team went to work with their focus on solutions. While the director always paid attention to details such as the shadows cast, the curator monitored the distance to the wall. The two facility managers checked the alignment of the pictures with lasers and other equipment.
Whether steel nails, eye bolts or dowels, whether zinc, stainless steel, brass or copper – the public adopts a critical eye, which is why the right hanging system always has to be selected.
