Ask the conservators on the list how often they are asked to clean food and
wine(or coke, etc.) off of an oil painting or other work of art or artifact,
and how much it costs the museum or individual.  Many years ago I had to
catalogue a collection of furniture and paintings that had decorated a
restaurant.  The distance food can fly unintentionally is mind boggling -
and sobering.  Not a single piece in the collection of nearly 100 artifacts
was not damaged.
Elizabeth W. Furlow
Curator of Collections

Museum of History & Industry
2700 24th Ave., E.
Seattle, Washington 98112

(206)324-1685 ext.44
fax: (206)324-1346


-----Original Message-----
From: Rickie Good [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 7:04 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: food in art gallery


Our city's Gallery of Art has a new director who instituted a 'no food 
in galleries' rule that has her board a little peeved with her.  My 
director gave her our reasons for no food in the museum (pests, 
stains,etc) but asked me to ask any one who works for an art gallery 
what their practice and rationale is for allowing/not allowing food in 
their galleries.

I think part of the problem with the gallery is they do not look upon 
themselves as an art museum, but as a gallery to showcase local 
artists.  And they want to host their receptions for the artist in the 
gallery.  

Feel free to reply privately if you wish.

Thanks in advance,
Rickie Good
Sumter County Museum
Sumter, SC 

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