an insight into museums and collections

B.I · 26th May 2005, 12:49 AM

hi rivkin,
i hear what your saying, and of course i have to agree. but (of course there is always a 'but') a 10 year old school kid wont know, nor maybe not care what 'wootz' is. i think its hard not to judge a museum from a collector/enthusiasts point of view.
unfortunately, we dont keep museums open. if they charge us $20 a time to go in, and we all went in 3 times a week, then we can expect them to cater for our tastes. if you put on a displey, knowing the highest percentage of viewers will be under 4 foot (sorry for any virtically challenged adults), then you will write the information cards accordingly.
i can only speak for england, but i know that here the museums cant give their opinions. ok, maybe not cant, but are reluctant to. if you write a book on arms, you can happily put your neck on the line, and give your opinion. this opinion can clash against known knowleldge and anyone that reads it can either agree or disagree.
but, if you are part of an institution, you have more responsibility. now only do you have your predecessors, but also the beurocracy, the academics that float in and out etc. so, maybe its better to state the basic fact and let those interested enquire further. science and technology are better documented, and most 'inventions' hold thorough background information.
the purpose of a forum is to discuss and exhange opinions which works really well. i dont think any museum will want this happening in fornt of their displays and so simple is good.
as for the actual display, well i cant say anything. the wallace here is fabulous, as are the armouries. the V&A show a very small selection, but its well displayed. the smaller museums do what they can considering the budget. we dont have the funds here, that the met have and so what they do can only be classed as commendable.
i know the Met is outstanding in their displays, just from the friends that have been.

26th May 2005, 12:49 AM	#3
B.I Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 485	hi rivkin, i hear what your saying, and of course i have to agree. but (of course there is always a 'but') a 10 year old school kid wont know, nor maybe not care what 'wootz' is. i think its hard not to judge a museum from a collector/enthusiasts point of view. unfortunately, we dont keep museums open. if they charge us $20 a time to go in, and we all went in 3 times a week, then we can expect them to cater for our tastes. if you put on a displey, knowing the highest percentage of viewers will be under 4 foot (sorry for any virtically challenged adults), then you will write the information cards accordingly. i can only speak for england, but i know that here the museums cant give their opinions. ok, maybe not cant, but are reluctant to. if you write a book on arms, you can happily put your neck on the line, and give your opinion. this opinion can clash against known knowleldge and anyone that reads it can either agree or disagree. but, if you are part of an institution, you have more responsibility. now only do you have your predecessors, but also the beurocracy, the academics that float in and out etc. so, maybe its better to state the basic fact and let those interested enquire further. science and technology are better documented, and most 'inventions' hold thorough background information. the purpose of a forum is to discuss and exhange opinions which works really well. i dont think any museum will want this happening in fornt of their displays and so simple is good. as for the actual display, well i cant say anything. the wallace here is fabulous, as are the armouries. the V&A show a very small selection, but its well displayed. the smaller museums do what they can considering the budget. we dont have the funds here, that the met have and so what they do can only be classed as commendable. i know the Met is outstanding in their displays, just from the friends that have been.