The Conservation Bustform Collection

petite museum bust form collection. ambient imageVariants of the PETITE historical bust-form,
from our Conservation Bust form Collection

petite bust form collectionpetite headless dress standpetite bust form with head and armsvictorian shape conservation bustform dress standbell epoque conservation bustform dress stand

edwardian shape conservation bustform dress stand1920's conservation bustform dress stand

Apart from our many bespoke body shapes, gems studio have a small (but perfectly formed) standard collection of traditional historic bustform shapes, ideal for the exhibition of period costume. This affordable collection can be upholstered in a standard calico finish or matched to a fabric of your specification.

This collection features the newly developed PETITE body, hailed by many as a truly chameleon piece of costume presentation kit. Developed in association with the V and A's in-house textile display team and an independent textile conservation expert, this dress stand is recognised for its diminutive, feminine shape and distinctive long nape to waist measurement; the PETITE is versatile enough to show garments ranging from 17th century to the present day. It has already been ordered by a number of influential museums including V&A, Brighton's Royal Pavilion, Bath Pump Rooms, The American Museum and National Trust property, Killerton House.

All figures in The Conservation Bust form Collection are made to rigorous standards and are therefore ideal for costume presentation by museums and heritage centres, as well as specialist retailers. Manufactured from quality eco-friendly materials, our papier-mache forms are custom-made in the traditional way at our London workshop. Hand-finished to your exact requirements, this is a product of quality and resilience that will last for many years to come.

Prices for the PETITE bustform start at an affordable £215 for a calico covered form with closed in neck and £45 for a metal workroom stand (as shown in image). If you wish to see the PETITE body in person, it is on display at the London showrooms of our sister company proportion>London.

For further information, prices or to make an appointment to view the collection, call Ashley Backhouse on 020 7017 1952 or e-mail info@gems-studio.com