When the Dame Elisabeth Frink archive arrived at the Dorset History Centre, it came with some unusual items. Along with a number of bronzes are eight small groups of plaster maquettes, the largest of these measuring no more than 30cm high. Maquettes are preparatory models that sculptors make to help them visualise the final piece before going to the expense of making it full-size. The Frink maquettes include chess pieces, birds and the Dorset Martyrs: the final sculpture of which is located at Gallows Hill on South Walks in Dorchester.
Apart from the chess pieces, all the maquettes have sustained some damage. This is particularly evident in the standing models. Most of these have a metal armature, which are structural reinforcements used to support the plaster. In areas where the plaster is particularly thin, such as the arms, there is severe damage and areas of loss, exposing the metal armature.
The maquettes arrived carefully wrapped in tissue paper or bubble wrap. However, within the wrapping were small fragments of detached plaster suggesting this form of packaging was not providing the correct support. Every time someone accessed them, there was a greater risk of more plaster falling off. In addition to being very fragile, plaster is porous, and moisture is easily absorbed into it, meaning that substances on people’s hands, such as dirt or hand cream, can be driven into it and cause staining. What we needed was packaging that provided support in the right places, without putting pressure on any of the fragile areas, and would allow people to view the maquettes without touching them.
In response to these criteria, clamshell boxes were designed for each of the maquettes. The maquettes were measured carefully and suitable points of support were identified on each piece. The boxes were constructed from archival board and Plastazote, an inert and acid free foam, which was added in areas that would support the maquettes but not abrade or apply pressure to weak or damaged parts. Pull-out drawers were added to several boxes to allow the maquettes to be removed from the boxes and viewed fully without being touched. The design of the packaging allows the maquettes to be carefully stored, moved and viewed without risk of further deterioration or potential staining.
Thanks to a fund-raising event hosted by the Dorset Archives Trust, a display case has been purchased for exhibiting the Frink collection, which will display the maquettes on a rota basis alongside the bronzes and archival material.
