CRITERIA FOR TREATMENT OF COLLECTIONS HOUSED IN HISTORIC STRUCTURESBARBARA APPELBAUM
ABSTRACT—The author discusses criteria used, although not often made explicit, for the treatment of collections exhibited in art museums: an intensive treatment model, most common in paintings collections, and a collections management model, more common in larger collections of objects with lower individual values. Neither model is entirely appropriate for collections shown in period settings. Historic structures and period settings expose collections to more hazards while providing much less physical protection; therefore, treatments should be maximally protective. The aesthetic goals in these settings may not be as clear as those in art museums, because objects are presented as though in use. They are neither totally neglected nor cleaned up to look as much as possible as they did when they were made. The creation of historic settings that are as accurate as possible while respecting the actual state of each object in the setting involves conflicting interests and is inevitably complex. The issues involved require substantive discussions among all parties.
1. TWO ART MUSEUM MODELS  Entire Article |
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