We did this with a plaster copy of a bust . . . and it is amazing how dirty
the touched side got in a matter of weeks.  I think that this is one of the
best ways to teach museum visitors about oils, dirt, etc.

Good luck!


Lee Langston-Harrison
Director of Curatorial Operations
Montpelier, Home of James & Dolley Madison
Montpelier Station, VA 22957
(540) 672-0007
[log in to unmask]

----------
> From: Fred Greene <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: "Do not touch" signs
> Date: Monday, April 26, 1999 5:32 PM
>
> John,  Statement panels are useful but the most striking statement I've
seen
> regarding damage to materials as a result of  touching are panels of
different
> materials found in the collection which are half covered with plexi or
glass.
> Visitors are encouraged to touch the uncovered half. The damage caused by
> touching is obvious within a few months. Fred
>
> John Michael Nolan wrote:
>
> > Our museum would like to post an expanded statement on why visitors are
not
> > to touch the museum objects and I would appreciate if anyone can share
> > similar statements that they use. If you could email or snail mail a
copy I
> > would be obliged.
> >
> > Gratefully,
> >
> > John M. Nolan
> > Curator
> > Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery, Inc.
> > Greenville, SC 29614