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 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).