I would argue that casts, although not strictly original objects, do
have a validity in their own right. I have always had a concern that the
public visiting the NHM have not been made aware that in the majority of
cases what they are looking at ARE casts; when I have 'enlightened'
non-museum friends of this fact there has been a certain element of
feeling cheated. Perhaps we should get the curators to put both points
of view forward and let the public debate the issue and decide for
themselves?
Tracey Mardles (Ms)
Audience Development Officer
Guildford House Gallery
01483 458563
www.guildfordhouse.co.uk
NB: I work Wednesdays and Thursdays
-----Original Message-----
From: List for discussion of issues in museum education in the UK.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Fothergill, Helen (COMMUNITY
SERVICES)
Sent: 02 November 2006 15:56
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: display of real bones vs. casts
Dear Gina
surely the whole point of a display being associated with a museum is
that it uses (where ever possible) real objects. Otherwise we may as
well have plastic flat irons, polyester Georgian dresses, and
photocopied Rembrandts on the walls!
I fully appreciate the conservation requirements of bones etc, but if we
start assuming that replicas are automatically valid substitutes for
'real' items, we may as well display images of the objects online and do
without the veracity of a museum display.
all the best - Helen (speaking with a curatorial, exhibition & member of
the 'audience' hat on ... yes.... all at the same time!)
Helen Fothergill
Keeper of Natural History
Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery
Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AJ
T: 01752 304774 F: 01752 304775
W: www.plymouthmuseum.gov.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: List for discussion of issues in museum education in the UK.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Georgia-Gina Koutsika
Sent: 02 November 2006 00:04
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: display of real bones vs. casts
Dear All,
Apologies for cross posting
My colleagues that plan the redevelopment of the Natural History
Museum's Life Galleries were debating over the display of real bones vs.
casts.
What does it actually achieve to display the real specimen - in
terms of draw card status, emotional impact in visit, effect of
recollection post-visit and so on?
And, on the other hand, what is lost for the visitor when you
display casts instead?
Are you aware of any research that has been contacted on that
topic?
If so, please e-mail both Michael Harvey& Gina Koutsika
[log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask]
Thanking you in advance for your help,
Gina
G-Gina Koutsika
Audience Advocate
on behalf of Michael Harvey,
Michael Harvey
Interpretation Manager - Gallery Development
The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
South Kensington SW75BD
Ph: 020 7942 5941
Fax: 020 7942 5175
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