Conservation and Mountmaking: Seismic Mountmaking

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.

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.

Start of the Project

The concept for seismic mountmaking at the Getty Museum began in the early 1980’s with a small group of dedicated people in the conservation and preparations departments. In consultation with seismic engineers, research was undertaken to better understand the potentially harmful forces of an earthquake and develop strategies to minimize damage to its collections.

Dangers of Seismic Activity on Cultural Heritage

In an earthquake, artworks can be susceptible to violent ground motions. To address this, the museum incorporates various methods that secure the artwork and helps protect it from damage. For example, at the Getty Villa the Sculptural Group of a Seated Poet and Sirens (76.AD.11) incorporates internal supports and a base isolation since the artworks are inherently unstable and comprised of fragmentary terracotta. And at the Getty Center, the Borghese-Windsor Cabinet (2016.66) is tall with a narrow base and has multiple sections. To address this, a seismic mount discreetly connects all the components and secures the cabinet to the gallery wall.

Next Steps

Seismic mountmaking is continually evolving, requiring ongoing research into new materials and techniques, as well as improved understanding of earthquakes and their potential impact on the museum’s structures. While the last major seismic event in Southern California was in 1994, the Getty Museum assumes another can happen at any time and prepares for that eventuality.

Shake Table

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.

Magnetic Mounting Cups

Magnetic mounting cups (mag-cups) are a new addition to the system of magnetic mountmaking, developed to minimize the handling of ancient vessels. The cups are designed to have enough pull strength to be considered a “full capture” or “seismic mount.” They are made of aluminum, stainless steel, and brass, which are non-magnetic and lightweight, allowing the cup to be supported by the magnet. Pull strength can be increased and decreased gradually by twisting a brass handle. The cups can be combined with steel plates, nickel-plated steel beaded chains or steel shot Tyvek bags. They were designed to help with fast turnaround times for museum exhibitions and are reusable for a range of vessel sizes.

In 2018, the J. Paul Getty Museum partnered with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports and the National Technical University of Athens on a project to protect museum objects in the event of an earthquake. The results of the Getty-funded research has led to the development of a new prototype of base isolator. New isolators will be fabricated in Greece and utilized to protect a selected group of ancient sculptures at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.