Testimonials

Over the past 18 years I have used Matt exclusively for all of my mountmaking needs. Matt fabricated more than 1000 mounts for me during my tenure at the Rubin Museum of Art. He designed and constructed mounts for objects from 14th century cultural relics to contemporary pieces of varying materials and sizes.

Matt is a true master of his craft and I would not trust anyone else.

John Monaco, John Monaco Design

(Former) Head of Exhibition Design and Chief Preparator, Rubin Museum of Art, NYC

I have been working with Matt Schwede for several years now in my capacity as object conservator at a major cultural institution in NYC. Matt has been designing and fabricating mounts for our fragile and complex anthropological collections. He is of the utmost professionalism and his designs are always well thought out and elegant - an engineering mindset laced with artistry. Matt works equally as well with brass and steel, on small and large scale objects. I trust his judgement with materials and I have relied on his long experience in mountmaking and installation for the safe and elegant display of our pieces. He works in an efficient, organized and meticulous fashion, and I would definitely recommend Matt!

Gabriella Tieu, Art Conservator

Matt has the exact combination of skills, refinement, attention to detail and safety required for this specialized and highly critical work. I've seen Matt handle any and all scopes of projects with capable ease. If you are looking for secure museum quality mounts with little to no visual impact, this is the best I've come across!

Zachary Harper, Collections Manager

Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, CA

Matt Schwede is among the very best mountmakers and exhibit installers I have worked with over a long career as conservator. His design instincts are spot-on to avoid putting stress on objects while providing them maximum support. While working with us, he devised numerous custom mounts for very complex pieces in delicate condition and fabricated them with impeccable workmanship. He is able to fabricate appropriate and beautiful supports for pieces made from a wide variety of materials and sizes. Matt has excellent communication skills, is calm under pressure and gets along well with other staff members. He works diligently, is a terrific team member, and I would be pleased to hire him again and again!

Judith Levinson, Director of Conservation Emerita

American Museum of Natural History, NYC

As an exhibition designer for major art museums, I often rely on SCHWEDE L.L.C. for mountmaking and installation. Highly organized, well prepared and sensitive to the handling of objects, Matt Schwede is my go to contractor.

David Harvey, David Harvey Design LLC

(Former) SVP of Exhibitions, American Museum of Natural History, NYC

I've had the pleasure to work with Matt Schwede for twenty some years. I first met him at the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum in my capacity as the sculpture conservator. In my tenure, we closely collaborated on mountmaking for several major exhibitions including: China: 5000 Years, Innovation and Transformation in the Arts and The Aztec Empire. While at the Guggenheim, I also delegated him to supervise the entire contract mountmaking crew. He is very creative, articulate, highly skilled and sensible with the art. His mounts are excellent and elegant. He is also economical, collaborative and very reliable to work with. He delivers good cheer under continuous pressure and long working hours. Our professional relationship never stopped, I continue hiring him for mountmaking whenever my own business requires such services.

Eleaonora Nagy, Conservator, Modern Sculpture Conservation, LLC

(Former) Sculpture Conservator, Solomon R Guggenheim Museum, NYC

(Former) Conservator, Three Dimentional Works, Whitney Museum of American Art, NYC

If you need museum quality mounts or specialty fabrication, Matt is the person to call. He has a wealth of knowledge and the resources to handle whatever you throw at him. When the volume is high or the turn-around short, he'll bring in a skilled crew of professionals and finish ahead of schedule. Matt just takes care of it. Highly organized. Dependable. Exceptional work product.

Eric Edler, Exhibitions Registrar, Bard Graduate Center Gallery, NYC