Hello All-

I am looking to revamp our photograph agreement policy to address the many
requests we receive each year from artists and furniture makers who would
like to take close-up images and/or take measurements of specific artifacts
in the collection in order to create a work of art or to reproduce a piece
of furniture.  Currently, we do not allow visitors to take interior shots
but will grant permission to use OUR object images for publication or
educational/personal use.  We also recognize that it's well within anyone's
right to make something on their own after they have taken a tour or seen an
image in a book.  I would like to accommodate artistic expression especially
since so many people are 'inspired' by Shaker objects.  If we are to create
an agreement form wherein we allow measurements and close-up photographs of
one of our artifacts as personal research for art work or reproductions,
what are the issues we have to face?  At what point does a furniture
reproduction become a commercial venture?  If a work of art sells does that
necessarily mean it's become a for-profit request and rather than an
educational/personal use request?  How can museums retain the historical
integrity of and rights to their objects while making them accessible to the
broadest audience?  How many other museums deal with this topic on an
ongoing basis?  Are there books or reference materials you recommend
addressing this issue?

Thanks, Jenna

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