FINISHED SIZE 195 X 240MM
3.5MM SPINE PLEASE EXTEND IF NEEDED
WELCOME to the Absolute brochure! Here you will find all of our standard equipment with some additional sizes and a range of new products to complement them. We design these to be easy to use, robust and professional. It’s for this reason that they are used by the majority of the world’s leading galleries and museums. We aim to make everything as straight forward as possible with clear diagrams and simple explanations. There is limited space in this brochure, so for more in depth information please see our website at www.absoluteproduct.com or get in touch via our contacts page. We’ll be happy to help with any queries or share our knowledge with you for that special project that you’re working on.
Sam Sprague Managing Director
Here are some of the institutions we enjoy working with:
The Pompidou Centre
MoMA N.Y.
Tate Britain
CONTENTS 1. STANCHIONS & BARRIERS
FREESTANDING BARRIERS FLOOR MOUNTED BARRIERS SCREW FIXED BARRIERS FREESTANDING BARRIER SIGNAGE WALL TERMINATOR & ELASTICATED CORD FREESTANDING QUEUE BARRIERS FLOOR MOUNTED QUEUE BARRIERS SURFACE MOUNTED QUEUE BARRIERS QUEUE BARRIER SIGNAGE
04 06 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
2. INFORMATION SYSTEMS
INFORMATION STANDS LABEL HOLDERS SIGNAGE PLATES FREESTANDING LABEL HOLDER READER RAIL DISPLAY CASE LABEL HOLDER SHELF EDGE LABEL HOLDER
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
3. HANGING SYSTEMS
RYMAN HANGER SECURITY RYMAN LINK HANGER L BRACKET H TRACK C TRACK FLUSH MOUNT TRACK T TRACK PANEL CLIP
25 26 27 28 31 32 33 34 35
CASE TRUCK SPECIALS
36 37
In the quest to produce the very best products we will occasionally amend dimensions. Please check our website to confirm measurements where necessary.
Le Louvre
The Design Museum
The Met
STANCHIONS & BARRIERS It is essential that all museum and gallery equipment blend with the environment, without distracting from the exhibits on display. Absolute provides a collection of barriers to do just that. They define restricted access, protect artworks and guide visitors in a manner that is simple and timeless, blending effortlessly with the setting. Our barriers feature an elasticated cord that provides a straight, space defining line (no droopy ropes here) which will flex gently, rather than trip. These barriers are produced from hard wearing materials and in a range of designs that are visually clean and easy to install and maintain. All of our barriers are available in grey or stainless steel. For installation instructions and tips on layout visit www.absolute product.com
FREESTANDING BARRIER 400MM The Absolute barrier system discreetly indicates that visitors should not touch the exhibits. It’s neutral finish and simple clean lines sit comfortably within the museum and gallery environment, gently reminding the public of it’s presence without clashing with the display or decor. The clever bit is a stretchy cord, that fits snugly into the top of each post, drawing a neat line in the air that defines restricted access, but gives to the touch thus avoiding tripping or injury. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
Le Louvre
400mm (16”)
SPECIFICATIONS
228mm (9”)
04
FREESTANDING BARRIER 1000MM This is the taller version of the Absolute barrier system designed for use where the demarcation needs to be more obvious. It discreetly indicates that visitors should not touch the exhibits and it’s neutral finish and clean lines sit comfortably within the museum and gallery environment, gently reminding the public of it’s presence without clashing with the display or decor. The clever bit is a stretchy cord, that fits snugly into the top of each post, drawing a neat line in the air that defines restricted access, but gives to the touch thus avoiding tripping or injury. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
1000mm (39”)
SPECIFICATIONS
Le Louvre
330mm (13”)
05
FLOOR MOUNTED BARRIER STONE The floor mounted version of our barrier system has an upright that fits snugly into a small stainless steel floor socket and supports the elasticated cord which defines restricted access, but gives to the touch thus avoiding tripping or injury. The socket has a lip of just 2.5mm making this a very discrete installation. As with the Freestanding barrier, this features our injection moulded top that helps prevent ‘little’ fingers’ from removing the cap. If required the uprights can be removed and the socket filled with a flush fitting plug that leaves a smooth trip free stainless circle of just 25mm. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
V&A
400mm (16”) 26mm (1”)
SPECIFICATIONS
Floor socket for stone, resin or concrete floors
06
FLOOR MOUNTED BARRIER TIMBER The timber floor mounted version of our barrier system has an upright that fits snugly into a stainless steel floor socket and supports the elasticated cord which defines restricted access, but gives to the touch thus avoiding tripping or injury. This socket has a small flange at the top that allows it to be screwed to the floor. If required the uprights can be removed and the socket filled with a flush fitting plug that leaves a smooth trip free stainless circle of 60mm dia’. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
FLOOR MOUNT TIMBER BARRIER Wooden Floor Socket.
400mm (16”)
SPECIFICATIONS
Tate Britain
26mm (1”)
07
SCREW FIXED BARRIER The Absolute Screw fixed barrier works well with both temporary and permanent installations. As with the other barriers, it’s neutral finish and simple clean lines sit comfortably within the museum and gallery environment, gently reminding the public of it’s presence without clashing with the display or decor. The clever bit is a stretchy cord, that fits snugly into the top of each post that defines restricted access, but gives to the touch thus avoiding tripping or injury. Installation of the screw fixed version is very straight forward with the fixings hidden by a simple cover plate that fits snugly over the post. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
Tate Modern
400mm (16”)
SPECIFICATIONS
100mm (4”)
08
FREESTANDING BARRIER SIGNAGE The FSB Signage cap is an excellent way to display information close to an artwork in a discreet and accessible manner. It fits over the top of our Freestanding Barrier range and provides a fixing point for any of our Label Holders (with the exception of the 50mm x 100mm). The FSB Signage Cap is produced in stainless steel and has slots that allow it to be used at any point on a run of barriers without interrupting the cord. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
09
See Label Holder range on page 18
445mm (17 1/2�)
SPECIFICATIONS
Burton Gallery
WALL TERMINATOR & ELASTICATED CORD WALL TERMINATOR The Wall Terminator is our neat and simple solution to finishing a run of barriers. It is also a discreet and cost effective way to close off an alcove or side room in a gallery and consists of a short cylinder that terminates the elastic cord at the wall. ELASTICATED CORD You will require elasticated cord to work with your barriers. This is stretched between barriers to indicate restricted access and protect artworks. It stretches taut to give a wonderfully straight line that does not distract, but gives gently when pressed and thus avoids tripping or injury to the unwary visitor. The cord is very straight forward to install requiring only a pair of scissors to cut to length. When the barrier layout is changed the cord can be used again in a different layout. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
GREY
WHITE The Met
25mm (1�)
SPECIFICATIONS
BLACK
RED
10
Q BARRIER FREESTANDING We designed this ‘full height’ barrier system to guide and control visitors at entrances to exhibits, for ticketing or handling large numbers. It is both a physical and visual message dictating accessibility and ensuring that queuing (standing in line) is an orderly and defined process. The proportions and detailing have been designed to complement museum and gallery environments with clean lines and neutral finishes. Simple, effective and ideally suited for flexible layouts. There is also a range of signage options that will attach easily and securely to the barrier. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
34mm (1 1/4”)
915mm (36”)
SPECIFICATIONS
MoMA
330mm (13”)
11
Q BARRIER FLOOR MOUNTED We designed this Floor Mounted version of our ‘full height’ barrier system for more permanent installations. It is ideally suited to directing the flow of visitors at entrances to exhibits, for ticketing or where there is a requirement for people to wait. It is both a physical and visual message dictating accessibility and ensuring that queuing (standing in line) is an orderly and defined process. The barrier post screws into a floor socket providing a rigid installation to support our discreet elastic cord. Simple, effective and suited to more static layouts. There is also a range of signage options that will attach easily and securely to the barrier For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
The Lincoln Center
905mm (35 1/2”)
SPECIFICATIONS
32mm (1 1/4”)
12
Q BARRIER SURFACE MOUNT This is the surface mounted version of our Q barrier system for more permanent installations. It is ideally suited to directing the flow of visitors at entrances to exhibits, for ticketing or where there is a requirement for people to wait. The barrier post has a small base plate that is attached to the floor providing a rigid installation to support our discreet elastic cord. A thin stainless steel cover then hides the fixings providing a clean uncluttered finish. Simple, effective, and suited to more static layouts. There is a range of signage options that will attach easily and securely to the barrier. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
Plymouth City Museum
32mm (1 1/4”)
905mm (35 1/2”)
SPECIFICATIONS
Q BARRIER SURFACE MNT
120mm (5”)
13
Q BARRIER SIGNAGE Our signage plate connectors are designed to replace a Q’ Barrier cap and provide a robust display for information or directional signage. The connectors are available in either forty five degree or vertical formats. Once in place you can add one of our signage plates, A4 or A3 and these can be changed between portrait or landscape orientation as required. These signage connectors can be fitted to any upright from our Q barrier range. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
MoMA
SPECIFICATIONS
1220mm (48”)
Vertical
1020mm (40”)
45°
330mm (13”)
330mm (13”)
Height will vary depending on size of sign
14
INFORMATION SYSTEMS The task of supplying a visitor with clear and relevant information throughout their visit requires a delicate balance between prominence and discretion. Absolute have developed a suite of products to accomplish this task at each stage of their journey, encompassing, guidance and general wayfinding, stand alone and wall mounted labelling systems and shelf ticketing that informs with relevant and artwork specific information in close proximity to the piece on display. These products are designed to work as individual elements or in conjunction with other Absolute elements.
INFORMATION STAND Our Information Stand is the ideal means to display directions, information or instructions in a clear 45 degree presentation at a height that is easy to read. The display can be either A4 or A3 with the ability to switch between portrait or landscape formats mounted on an upright post with a stable base plate. Information is displayed with the protection of a clear 2mm acrylic cover. It is available in either stainless steel or PPC grey. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
O2 Exhibition Centre
1020mm (40”)
SPECIFICATIONS
330mm (13”)
16
LABEL HOLDERS & SIGNAGE PLATES The Label Holder is an industry standard. This is one product that we haven’t invented. Having said that, we have completely re-engineered it, to make it slimmer, stronger and cheaper. The objective is to offer information in the simplest, least distracting manner possible, and the Label Holder does this by displaying information about the artwork in an easy to read and discreet manner. Close enough to inform but not so close as to distract. The Label Holder works by sliding the cover to one side and inserting the information ‘label’. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Tate Britain
17
LABEL HOLDER RANGE All of our Label Holders are supplied with standard 2mm clear acrylic. Low reflect acrylic is available on request.
A5 Landscape (8 1/2”x6”)
A5 Portrait (6”x8 1/2”)
100x50mm (4”x2”)
A4 Landscape (11 3/4”x8 1/2”)
150x150mm (6”x6”) 150x100mm (6”x4”)
A4 Portrait (8 1/2”x11 3/4”)
A3 Landscape (16 1/2”x11 3/4”)
The following U.S. label sizes are also available.
8 1/2”x 11”
14”x 11”
17”x 11”
17” x 11” produced to order, please call for lead time.
SIGNAGE PLATE RANGE
A4 (8 1/2”x11 3/4”)
A3 (16 1/2”x11 3/4”)
8 1/2”x 11”
14”x 11”
17”x 11” See above
Signage Plates are one of our label holders with an end cap on each side. This allows it to be switched between portrait and landscape modes whereas our Label holders can only be used in a single format. The end caps also prevent ‘little fingers’ from interfering, particularly useful in free standing displays.
FREESTANDING LABEL HOLDER Our range of ‘Label holders’ can be supplied with a support so that they stand by themselves, presenting the text at an angle of 45 degrees. See page 18 for a list of available sizes. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
STANDING LABEL HOLDER
SPECIFICATIONS
Burton Gallery FREE
A5 (8 1/2” x 6”)
25mm (1”)
50mm (2”)
A4 (11” x 8 1/2”)
19
READER RAIL The Reader Rail informs visitors in a format that is easy to read and allows for a more detailed and extensive layout of information. The display is available as 298mm high or 11” high and is supplied in standard lengths of 1220mm (4”’), 1800mm (6’) and 2400mm (8’). Lengths can be connected end to end. Other lengths can be ordered from our specials section. It will also fit our range of Q barriers. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
READER RAIL Plymouth Art Gallery
1020mm (41”)
SPECIFICATIONS
330mm (13”)
20
DISPLAY CASE LABEL HOLDER This extended version of our label holder has it’s own foot so that it presents information at 45 degrees. It is available in two standard label heights: 100mm (4”) and 150mm (6”) and a standard length of 600mm (24”). Other sizes available on request. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Westminster Abbey
150mm (6”)
100mm (4”)
21
Installation by Design Map
SHELF EDGE LABEL HOLDER The Shelf Edge Label Holder is our solution for ‘in case’ labelling and avoids the ‘forest’ of information that so often occurs when there are multiple objects displayed on a shelf. Visual clarity with the object as the hero ofthe setting, is once again our goal, and the Shelf Edge Label Holder moves all of the relevant information to a single line along the front edge. Clear and easy to read, and no longer in competition with the object on display. The label holder fixes to the edge of the shelf and displays information in a 60mm (2 3/8”) high format that is protected with clear acrylic. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
Wedgewood Museum
Fixed with clip
60mm (2 1/4”)
SPECIFICATIONS
60mm (2 1/4”)
Bonded with adhesive tape
22
HANGING SYSTEMS Our hanging systems are unique to us and have been designed to deal with all sizes and weights of artwork, and a wide variety of installation needs. These are museum grade systems, created for their strength, security, and ease of use, by the world’s leading institutions and the smallest private galleries. These products are flexible, discrete, integrated (they will work with each other) and will carry heavier loads than other hanging systems. The majority also incorporate security measures to deter opportunist theft and the Ryman and Link Hangers have both been approved by the British National Security Advisor for the purposes of government indemnity. For installation instructions please visit our website at www.absoluteproduct.com
WHICH HANGING SYSTEM DO I NEED? MOUNTED ON THE WALL
RYMAN HANGER PAGE 25
LINK HANGER PAGE 27
L BRACKET PAGE 28
For artworks up to 45kgs (100lbs)
For artworks up to 100kgs (220lbs)
For the heaviest artworks
TRACK SYSTEMS
H TRACK PAGE 31
C TRACK PAGE 32
For mounting onto the wall
For mounting on the ceiling
FLUSH MOUNT PAGE 33
T TRACK PAGE 34
For a discreet flush finish
For a discreet flush finish at the top of the wall
HUNG ON TIMBER PANELS
PANELCLIP PAGE 35
FOR OTHER SYSTEMS TO HANG ARTWORKS... ON CHAINS WITH NIELSEN FRAMES OR IN STORAGE PLEASE VISIT WWW.ABSOLUTEPRODUCT.COM
RYMAN HANGER The Ryman Hanger is our most popular solution for hanging artworks and is used by an international body of galleries, large and small that includes The Tate, Getty and MoMA. Designed to attach artworks tight to the wall with no visible fixings, it is easy to install, allows for adjustment, and has a choice of three levels of security. It carries the official stamp of approval of the UK Government’s Museum & Galleries commission. There are three sizes to handle artworks from the small etchings up to large flat backed works weighing in excess of 300kgs. The Ryman can also be used with any of Absolute’s track systems or with our storage hooks to hang on a wide range of screens and storage facilities. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
Large Ryman for artworks up to 25kgs (55lbs)
Extended Ryman for artworks up to 45kgs (100lbs)
105mm (4 1/8”)
83mm (3 1/4”)
25
Small Ryman for artworks up to 10kgs (22lbs)
54mm (2 1/8”)
SPECIFICATIONS
Pallant House
SECURITY RYMAN The Ryman Security Keeper has been designed to increase the security of the Ryman system still further. When the standard keeper is replaced with the security version it is ‘impossible’ to remove the artwork without the use of the tool. These tools are sequentially numbered and the owners recorded on our database. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
Weston House
SPECIFICATIONS
A set consists of 2 plates and 2 keepers
Security Key
security keeper
26
LINK HANGER The Link Hanger is a very popular solution for hanging larger works of art and has been designed to accommodate both rebated and flat backed frames. The ‘link’ provides an immensely strong support between wall and frame and automatically bridges the gap that is so often found on older, heavy artworks with large frames. The Link Hanger has a ‘bronzed’ finish that blends quietly with the shadows behind the artwork, and incorporates measures to improve security, allow for adjustment during installation or connect with storage options when not on display. It also carries the official stamp of approval of the UK Government’s Museum & Galleries commission. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
For artworks up to 100kgs (220lbs) 85mm (3 3/8”)
SPECIFICATIONS
Clore Gallery
25mm (1”)
27
A set consists of 4 plates and 2 links
L BRACKET The L Bracket is the recommended support for wide or very heavy paintings. Two or more of these brackets are used to form a ledge beneath the artwork, which supports the bottom section of particularly heavy or wide paintings, thereby removing the strain from the corner joints. This is especially relevant for heavily glazed works. When the weight of the artwork is supported by the ‘L’ bracket it is then secured against the wall with Ryman Hangers or mirror plates. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
Tate Britain
175mm (7”)
SPECIFICATIONS
Supplied in pairs
50mm (2”)
28
WHICH TRACK DO I NEED?
1 CHOOSE YOUR TRACK TYPE
A hanging set consists of six pieces (as shown). Just tell us the quantity of artworks and your preferred method, and we will do the rest.
H TRACK For hanging artworks with the track mounted onto the wall.
C TRACK For hanging artworks from the ceiling.
FLUSH MOUNT For hanging artworks with the track concealed in the wall.
T TRACK For a discreet flush finish at the top of the wall
2 CHOOSE THE HANGING METHOD TO SUIT YOUR WALL 5mm ( 1/4”) stainless steel rod provides the most rigid installation, can be supplied in silver or white and will support artworksup up to 50kgs (110lbs).
2mm (1/16”) Perlon cord semi transparent, blends with most surfaces and is the best choice for a discreet installation. Will support artworks up to 25kgs (55lbs).
2mm (1/16”) stainless steel cable will provide the strongest flexible cable system and will support artworks up to 35kgs (75lbs).
All the above are available in standard lengths of 1.5M (59”) and 2.5M (98”)
Ryman Barrel for connecting to the Ryman plate on the back of the artwork.
20mm (3/4”)
25mm (1”)
3 CHOOSE THE METHOD TO CONNECT YOUR ARTWORK Hook Barrel for hanging artworks that have cord on the back.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND HANGING PRODUCTS PLEASE VISIT WWW.ABSOLUTEPRODUCT.COM
WALL MOUNTED
H TRACK
H Track is our most popular track system and is designed to be applied to existing walls. It is an ideal solution where the wall surface cannot be drilled or marked when hanging, or where artworks are changed frequently. When fixed at a high level it blends effortlessly with the ceiling junction or mouldings and provides a stable point from which to hang artworks, using a choice of transparent cord, stainless steel cable or stainless steel rod. The artworks can then be hung at any height and any point along the track. There are many useful features with this track including a hidden slot that ensures artworks can added or hung at almost any point in a long display without disturbing other works. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
31
H TRACK H Track 12mm (1/2�)
25mm (1�)
SPECIFICATIONS
Fulham Palace
H Track Cover ordered separately
C TRACK
CEILING MOUNTED
C Track is our solution for hanging when you absolutely can’t fix to the wall. It is slim, just 16mm wide, and robust, providing a simple and strong fixing point to hang artworks from the ceiling. It can be fixed prior to the installation of drywall or tiles to provide a flush slot in the ceiling, or surface mounted when the installation is a retrofit. Artworks can then be hung at any position along the track using a choice of transparent cord, stainless steel cable or stainless steel rod. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
A.T. Kearney Boardroom
C Track
15mm (5/8”)
15mm (5/8”)
SPECIFICATIONS
C TRACK
32
MOUNTED IN WALL
FLUSH MOUNT TRACK
Our Flush Mount Track has been created for installation during the construction phase, and provides the strongest discreet track system on the market today. It blends seamlessly with the building structure and provides a readily accessible fixing, enabling artworks to be hung at any point and any height. This is our most robust track. With the right installation it will carry loads of half a tonne.. and yet.. it’s our most discreet, with a slot of just 8mm. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
Pallant House
Flush Mount Track and Clip
55mm (2 1/8”)
SPECIFICATIONS
FLUSH MOUNT TRACK
8mm (1/4”)
17mm (5/8”)
33
CEILING
T TRACK
TOP OF WALL
T track is our most recent track system and can be applied to existing walls or installed during the building phase for a more invisible solution. It’s designed to fix to the wall tight up against the ceiling and gives the appearance of a floating ceiling. This is a very strong track, able to support artworks up to 300 kgs with the appropriate installation. It’s very easy to use, enabling artworks to be hung at any point along the track, and suspended using a choice of transparent cord, stainless steel cable or stainless steel rod. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
T TRACK Corporate Headquarters City of London
31mm (1 1/4”)
Cover
SPECIFICATIONS
T Track with cover
16mm (5/8”)
15mm (5/8”)
34
ON WOOD PANEL
PANEL CLIP
The Panel Clip is for those installations where the wall surface is a panelled installation with an accessible top edge and you do not want to mark the surface. As the name suggests, it clips over the top of the panel and provides a fixing point for one of our suspension systems. This includes transparent cord, stainless steel cable and stainless steel rod. The clips are a matt grey stainless steel finish and can be painted where necessary to match with your décor. They have a neoprene pad on the inner surface that prevents slipping and cushions the load. They will support artworks up to 50 kgs in weight. Clips for panels of different thicknesses are available upon request For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
Corporate Headquarters London
PANEL CLIP
Supplied in pairs
45mm (1 3/4”)
SPECIFICATIONS
PANEL CLIP
20mm (3/4”) internal
15mm (5/8”)
35
CASE TRUCK The Absolute Case Truck is the perfect solution for moving those large crated sculptures or artworks easily and safely from loading bay to storage and on to the gallery. It’s design will accommodate both flat bottomed boxes, and those fork lift crates with timber footings. The close coupled wheels will balance the load without effort and assist in steering, while the over centre load points enable it to climb small steps and curbs. The Case Truck comes with non-marking tyres to keep those lovely floors clean, and will carry a whopping 800 kgs For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
The Royal Academy
CASE TRUCK
420mm (16 1/2”)
SPECIFICATIONS
470mm (18 1/2”)
185mm (7 1/4”)
36
SPECIAL PRODUCTS Many of our clients ask us to produce ‘specials’ to suit their specific needs. These can be as simple as a change of size on a standard product or a completely new solution for a particular installation. Here are a few examples of projects that we have undertaken and we will be happy to share our expertise and experience with you. For further information visit www.absoluteproduct.com
SPECIAL PRODUCTS
V&A
37
SPECIAL PRODUCTS
The Met
SPECIAL PRODUCTS
38
SPECIAL PRODUCTS All of our Label Holder heights are fixed, but in addition to the standard widths (page 18) we can also supply extended versions, with or without, wall brackets, supports or legs. Go to www.absoluteproduct.com/contact to find our nearest office.
SPECIAL PRODUCTS
V&A
39
Extrusions available in the following heights
50mm (2”) 100mm (4”) 150mm (6”) 210mm (8 1/4”) 280mm (11”) 298mm (11 3/4”)
FINISHED SIZE 195 X 240MM
3.5MM SPINE PLEASE EXTEND IF NEEDED