Yes, vitrines, cases and barriers can protect a lot; although, barriers are
more iffy.  In the case of the exhibition I was describing it was created
as a site specific installation and the decision was not to use barriers.
As I point out in the quote below, staff were present to discourage
touching.

As an art museum staff person I try find something to learn from everybody
and everything, but sometimes it's hard to find.

----------
> From: Henry B. Crawford <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: do not touch signage
> Date: Monday, March 24, 1997 10:44 AM
>
> (snip)
> >All of this works fairly well with 2-D works, but there is something
about
> >3-D works that seem almost irresistable.  We currently exhibition of
Akari
> >lamps by Noguchi and everyone, almost, wants to fondle not just touch
the
> >mulberry bark paper surface. We have a staff person in the gallery to
act
> >as explainer and security.  This is about the only way to insure that
3-D
> >objects aren't loved to death.
> >
>
> Isn't that what barriers, cases and vitrines are for?  Seems that art
> museums can learn a lot from the rest of us.
>
> Cheers,
> HBC
>
> *****************************************
> Henry B. Crawford        Curator of History
> [log in to unmask]     Museum of Texas Tech University
> 806/742-2442           Box 43191
> FAX 742-1136             Lubbock, TX  79409-3191
> ******* "IT'S A NICE DAY, LET'S PLAY TWO!" ********