Hello- my name is Chuck Regier, Curator of Exhibits at Kauffman Museum in North Newton, KS.
For a number of years I have been using cloth banners for certain photo mural applications- produced using a process called dye sublimation. Ink jet printing can also be used on fabric or banner vinyl but I have not yet found the results to be as good.
Although printing to fabric can be more expensive than paper, there are savings in not needing to laminate or mount to a substrate. Dye sub banners are durable and can even theoretically be thrown in the washing machine if they get dirty. In the application you suggest- where the photos will need to be produced at a distance and shipped, and also taken down and stored- fabric banners are perfect. Even very large prints can be rolled on a tube or folded and stuck in an envelope.
Mounting is also quick and easy- we usually have a pocket sewn in top and bottom with a conduit or rod and then just hang from the wall or ceiling. With the right fabric, the dye sub print shows through onto the back side so the image can be seen on both sides, allowing the banner to be used in free space.
Feel free to contact me if you have questions or are interested in cost and suppliers.
Chuck
Chuck Regier
crregier@bethelks.eduCurator of Exhibits, Kauffman Museum
Bethel College, 300 East 27th, North Newton, KS 67117
316-283-1612 cell 316-217-6433
Original Message------
I took a call from a gentleman in northern Idaho this morning who is considering developing a new museum. It would feature the photographic work of a local woman who documented life in the mining town at the turn of the century. He would like to produce a few dozen oversized prints of photos to hang in the gallery – ideally 6 to 8 feet tall. He’d like them to be durable enough that they could be rotated without too much difficulty.
Does anyone have a preferred photo reproduction and/or panel production company? Given the remote location of the town, the work is going to have to be shipped out anyway, so I appreciate any and all suggestions. Advise on affordability is also great.
Thanks in advance for your help!
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Dulce Kersting
Idaho Association of Museums, acting President
Latah County Historical Society, Executive Director
Moscow, ID
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