Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Ian · 26th May 2005, 06:07 AM

This is a depressing topic but at the same time might present some opportunities. I have wondered whether we as a community of collectors might be part of the solution, especially in the area of conservation.

Part of my "job" as a collector is to maintain my collection in good condition, and even restore some items. I look on this as a responsibility to history and a courtesy to the original culture that produced these magnificent works of style and function. Trial and error are two ways of learning, but I dare say that with a few weeks of "tutoring" by a professional conservator expert in edged weapons, many of us could be pretty darn proficient in this area, at least at the simple stuff. Passionate interest makes for busy hands and careful work.

What is to stop us from being volunteer conservators for some of these institutions? Museums are not likely to let anyone off the street go to work on their collections, but again if we were to undertake a little training, perhaps with a "certificate" at the end, then that might open doors to allow us to be helpful.

Now I did use the word "volunteer." Museums are not likely to pay anyone to do things that are not a priority for them. But free labor is hard to refuse, and I can't imagine the materials necessary to do a lot of this work are going to be very costly -- I'm not talking about repairing gold koftgari, replacing precious stones, or doing delicate restorations. Removing rust, polishing and oiling blades, maintaining leather, etc. are simple and important contributions that we could make.

I'm looking forward to an interesting retirement in about 10 years. This is something I have thought about doing, but don't really know where to start. Perhaps others are already involved and can offer suggestions.

Ian.

26th May 2005, 06:07 AM	#8
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	This is a depressing topic but at the same time might present some opportunities. I have wondered whether we as a community of collectors might be part of the solution, especially in the area of conservation. Part of my "job" as a collector is to maintain my collection in good condition, and even restore some items. I look on this as a responsibility to history and a courtesy to the original culture that produced these magnificent works of style and function. Trial and error are two ways of learning, but I dare say that with a few weeks of "tutoring" by a professional conservator expert in edged weapons, many of us could be pretty darn proficient in this area, at least at the simple stuff. Passionate interest makes for busy hands and careful work. What is to stop us from being volunteer conservators for some of these institutions? Museums are not likely to let anyone off the street go to work on their collections, but again if we were to undertake a little training, perhaps with a "certificate" at the end, then that might open doors to allow us to be helpful. Now I did use the word "volunteer." Museums are not likely to pay anyone to do things that are not a priority for them. But free labor is hard to refuse, and I can't imagine the materials necessary to do a lot of this work are going to be very costly -- I'm not talking about repairing gold koftgari, replacing precious stones, or doing delicate restorations. Removing rust, polishing and oiling blades, maintaining leather, etc. are simple and important contributions that we could make. I'm looking forward to an interesting retirement in about 10 years. This is something I have thought about doing, but don't really know where to start. Perhaps others are already involved and can offer suggestions. Ian.