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Valuation can be extremely difficult where objects are unique and irreplacable. Yet not only the cost of neglect but the cost of active damage should perhaps be considered.
There is a point where an object may be considered totally irreparable ie. effectively destroyed. For anything short of this, the conservation costs can be estimated (if only approximately). This point is graphically illustrated by the vases accidentally broken by a visitor to the Fitzwilliam Museum last week (see http://tinyurl.com/8qfvb): the museum is considering repairing them despite the very extensive damage.
In the case of the Birmingham Science & Industry collection, I believe that these kind of repair and conservation costs were one of the factors considered in determining insurance valuations, although I wasn't involved in this process.
Jack
Jack Kirby
Science & Industry Curator
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-----Original Message-----
From: Social History Curators Group email list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Johnstone, Christine
Sent: 31 January 2006 09:36
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [SHCG-LIST] Valuing 'priceless' objects
This is an email sent via the SHCG List. If you reply to this message, your message will be sent to all the people on the list, not just the author of this message.
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At a conference last week, I was discussing how you value resources that you cannot sell, with someone interested in this issue for public parks.
I mentioned that Wakefield has used the likely future conservation costs to value objects [ie what it would cost to conserve them if we leave them in a damp environment for another year].
I'm now being asked for further information.
Do any other museums use this method, or a version of it? Does anyone know of a standard formula? Are your collections included on the asset registers of your organisation?
Any help or suggestions gratefully received!
Christine
Christine Johnstone
Principal Cultural Officer: History, City of Wakefield MDC Cultural Services
Wakefield Museum, Wood St, Wakefield, WF1 2EW
Tel: 01924 305350 Fax: 01924 305353
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web-site: www.wakefield.gov.uk/culture and www.wakefield.gov.uk/toys
Exhibitions in the district:
Bruce Bernard - Wakefield Art Gallery
Discovering Ancient Egypt - Wakefield Museum
Early European Paintings - Pontefract Museum
For more details, click on www.wakefield.gov.uk/cultureandleisure/museums
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The SHCG list is provided for members of Social History Curators Group to discuss subjects relevant to social history in museums. To join SHCG visit www.shcg.org.uk . Opinions expressed in this email are the responsibility of the author and are not necessarily shared by SHCG.
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