I would like to add that while you deal with this, the director also needs to draft something to the fundraisers basically saying that any promises they make are worthless if the museum was not consulted first along with a list of acceptable goodies. It should also state the obvious things, like this one, that they can never under any circumstance promise to anyone.

Legally I do not see any reason that you would have to lend the painting. If you do decide to do it due to the corner you have been pushed into, I would say get a lawyer to help make up an incredibly long and detailed loan document, including provisions for who can move and install it (your staff only), the strict limitations for light and temperature, and adding that the museum has the right to inspect or remove the painting if needed at any time possibly with a scheduled peek at it twice a year or so. You need an airtight document for recourse if the donor decides to do something stupid like hang it himself or use it as a coffee table or something.   

They may have promised it, but it is still YOUR painting. 


-----Original Message-----
>From: Liz B <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Jun 5, 2008 7:07 AM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Art Loans to Individuals?
>
>Hello,
>I am the Curator at a museum associated with a major national non-profit. Our 
>museum has a large art collection including many paintings by Norman 
>Rockwell. We typically only loan these works to other museums, but this week 
>I was asked (or should I say told) to loan one of the Rockwells to a large $$ 
>donor to display in his home until 2010. I offered other solutions such as 
>having a very high quality reproduction made for him to keep, but this was 
>rejected. All of my explanations as to why this is a bad idea are laughed off 
>and I am made to feel that I am overreacting. The painting was promised to 
>the donor by our Fundraising Division with no consultation to the museum. My 
>director understands my reluctance, but is not willing to put her foot down 
>and say no to them. Does anyone know of any type of formal written 
>statement issued by a museum organization that says this is a no-no? I have 
>searched but was unable to find anything official. I am so worried about the 
>door we are opening if we go through with this loan! Am I overreacting in this 
>situation?? Anyone dealt with anything similar and have any suggestions?
>
>Thanks,
>Liz
>
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