Dear Holly,

I feal that accepting a gift with no intention of following the giver's
implicit desires is perhaps not the image you would want your museum to be
associated with.

In your case, I would ask the executors if the will makes any provision for
refusal, or, if not who is the residual legatee.  This is the person of
institution who will own the collection if you refuse the request.

The worst that will happen if you refuse the request is that the residual
legatee will burn it: I am hopeful handled professionally with all the tact
and discretion needed, at this time of their loss, the new owner will
consider a solution which fits closely to the wishes of the previous owner,
but does not compromise your collecting policy (and who knows, there may be
something else in the estate which _does_ fit your needs).

There may be a difficulty if the residual legatee is a trust which does not
have a historic mission.  The trustees would be legally obliged to sell the
collection to raise funds for their own purposes (if not holding it as an
investment).  Of course, another museum could then buy it, or it would go
on to be cherished by other collector(s), or put back into use by other
owners who will also take delight in them.

I hope that helps the discussion,

Best wishes,

Pat
Surrey Museums Development Officer




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