Jerry

I'd treat the issue in exactly the same way as any other commercial
reproduction of original art work.

Identify firstly whether you and colleagues have any ethical/curatorial
concerns over such a business development. If you accept the ethics of
commercial reproductions, then you should look to see whether you wish to
manufacture these casts yourselves, or find a third-party willing to do it
on your behalf. This is likely to be the preferred option as set-up costs
are generally lower. Then look to sign them up to a legally binding
contract - as a licencee - but before that, work out how and where these
things would be sold? Is there a guaranteed market out and if so, what are
the returns for your institution and how are you going to keep tabs on the
issue of quality control, royalty payments etc, etc.

Be satisfied with the quality of your/their craftsmanship and examine
whether flooding the market with a large number of copies is what you would
like to see? If you wish to retain a certain level of exclusiveness, then I
suggest you look to making them strictly high-value limited edition pieces
which, whilst restricting the volume of sales, will give each piece a
(perceived) uniqueness. But once again, check out the practicalities.

Finally, treat this like any other business venture and don't be taken-in by
the premise that it's easy money. Usually, nothing could be further from the
truth!


Peter Trowles
Taffner Curator, Mackintosh Collection
& Director, GSA Enterprises Ltd.
Glasgow School of Art
167 Renfrew Street
GLASGOW
G3 6RQ
Scotland

Tel: +141 353 4524
Fax: +141 353 4746

www.gsa.ac.uk


-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Jerry Fahey
Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2001 5:39 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Sale of reprodutions


To the list,

   I'd like to get some feedback from the list on the sale of
reproductions from collections.
  We have a large collection of architectural ornament salvaged from the
buildings of the architect Louis H. Sullivan. Many years ago we produced
a  large number of rubber molds from some of the more ornate objects. We
used them to put together a couple of light weight traveling
exhibitions,  reproducing the originals in resin and fiberglass. There
was also a small amount of trading / sales with other institutions. But
none with the general public.
  Lately around here the powers that be have been looking at the
reproduction process with $ signs in their eyes. I, however, am
wondering what pitfalls might happen if we do give the general public
access to these reproductions.
 What control should we have over them after the sale?
 Should the number of repros be limited?
 Are there any circumstances were the sale wouldn't be appropriate?
 What are the ethical considerations?
 I'm aware that when dealing with reproductions the copy should be
easily recognized from the original. I always install a small glitch in
them so if any unauthorized copies are made we can tell.
 Any input from out there in museum land???

 Jerry Fahey
 Exhibits Preparator
 University Museum
 Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

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