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WHAT MAKES A MASKERVILLE MASK?
Quality craftsmanship and tasteful design are the underlying objectives of all Maskerville products. Twenty years experience in costuming and fabric techniques, plus complete mastery of the preciseness of feathercraft are evident in the construction of our masks, where robustness and a comfortable fit are equally important as appearance.
A Maskerville mask begins as a base formed over a contoured mold of a human face. Contouring is the key to the fit; the mask must rest easily across the forehead, not on the nose. Lighter feather masks are built on stiffened felt; larger feather models and fabric masks are based on buckram, a sturdy, flexible millinery fabric. The back of the buckram - the side that rests against the face - is then lined with silk or suede.
Next, eye-holes are hand cut to provide unrestricted vision, ribbon ties of satin, grosgrain, or suede are securely attached, and hanging loops built in so the mask can be on display in between wearings. Only then is the prepared base ready to be covered with feathers, leather or fabric.
Feathers are applied individually to the front of the base with a hot-glue gun, working from the outside in towards the eye holes and ending with the smallest and finest ones at the nose bridge. Each feather is carefully layered so that it covers the quill of the one before. Thus, only the colorful tips are visible, and the mask feels smooth and soft like the plumage of a real bird.
The result of this is first, Maskerville masks last. The hold their shape, structure and value for decades. Second, they appear almost alive, transforming the wearer into a fantastic bird or cat creature. When displayed as art, they make a stunning focus to a room or hallway. |
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