Our favorite partner for realistic cast figures is Studio EIS in NYC.
https://www.studioeis.com/museum-figures
Here are some sources for dress forms and conservation mannequins:
https://www.museumfigures.com/conservation-forms/ (Foam, relatively inexpensive. Usually require some adjusting with additional padding, or removing some foam. Leans toward DIY.)
https://museummannequins.com/product-category/outlet-bodies/ (someone recommended them to us but we haven't worked with them.)
https://www.universityproducts.com/archival-storage/textile-conservation/museum-dress-forms-hat-mounts
https://www.nanasai.co.jp/products/kci_museum_mannequin_en.html (These are considered the gold standard in museum mannequins but they are pricey.)
Hope these sources are helpful.
Douglas
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Douglas Flandro
Director of Sustainability and Exhibit Designer
CambridgeSeven Associates, Inc.
Cambridge MA
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-17-2025 12:10 PM
From: Laura Vookles
Subject: Mannequins for 19th c. dresses
I'm looking for vendor sources for full mannequins and dress forms for women's clothing from about the 1870s to the 1910s. The mannequins we use are serviceable and purpose-made for museums, but out of date. Though we do not have a large budget, I am still interested in knowing a range of price options because perhaps we could find grant sources. I'm not really interested, however, in DIY options.