Project Overview
When the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) moved into a new facility, they faced a unique challenge: displaying their collection of tailored historical garments while preserving these irreplaceable artifacts for future generations.
With 77 unique pieces requiring individual display solutions, the museum partnered with Onetwosix Design to fabricate custom mannequin forms that would support delicate fabrics in an engaging museum exhibit.
Services Provided
Services provided included creation of custom mannequin geometries, CNC-ready model development, and production and deployment of 77 distinct forms.
Custom mannequin design and modeling
CNC machining
Manufacturing and installation of 77 unique forms
Before the Partnership
As Western Canada's largest museum, RAM was committed to authentic exhibits but needed significant help with their historical clothing collection.
77 historical garments each requiring completely unique mannequin forms
Delicate fabrics demanding gentle assembly processes minimizing handling
Conservation requirements for materials that wouldn't damage artifacts
While RAM were experts at curating, they lacked the industrial design and manufacturing expertise to create custom display solutions.
What We Did
We developed a structured communication system ensuring every technical decision supported preservation goals, translating conservators' specialized knowledge about preservation and display requirements into manufacturable solutions.
Designing custom mannequins to preserve and showcase historical artifacts
Modeling of 77 unique forms based on specific garment measurements
In-house precision manufacturing and quality control
Our in-house manufacturing capabilities maintained complete quality control while rapidly iterating on designs based on conservator feedback, delivering museum-quality pieces quickly.
Proven Results
The Royal Alberta Museum successfully opened their historical clothing exhibits with every garment properly showcased, contributing to their recognition as one of Canada's premier museums.
Delivered 77 precision-manufactured forms meeting conservation standards
Enabled safe, long-term artifact display while facilitating visitor engagement
Established replicable system for future acquisitions and rotating exhibits
The systematic approach provided a framework for future conservation projects, ensuring these precious artifacts remain properly preserved and accessible for generations.
