We have a client that has asked us to assist them in restoring a set (90 in total) of Masonic theatre backdrops from the 1920's for modern-day use in a brand new auditorium.

The former Curatorial Director acquired and shipped these drops from a Lodge out of state and they are currently awaiting the work to begin. All of the wooden battens were detached, packed up, and included in the load.

We are new to this collection of drops and the Curatorial Director is no longer a part of the organization, and we have hired a knowledgable scenic painter to clean and prepare the drops for their new location. The recommendation is being made to alter the hanging mechanism of the drops, eliminating the wooden battens altogether and instead installing a grommet hanging methodology. My understanding is that, in the new modern flyloft, the battens would cause unnecessary friction as there is not sufficient room for them.

The client is on board with this change to the drops, and I am quite certain that they will be used very frequently so this is an important point to consider. I am advising them that this change places them in the "prop" category rather than an "Artifact" category.

I'd like to ask after the collective wisdom of this group if there is any red flag popping up for making this change to the hanging mechanism and the status of these drops. I want to be certain that I am providing the best information possible for my client.

Many thanks in advance,

Mia Schillace Nelson
Outhouse Exhibit Services

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