Exactly: for a collections manager to do appraisal work, particularly in-house, would be a major conflict of interest. The collections managers and conservators I've worked with in the past have been very clear with inquirers that the museum cannot give appraisal advice and have always referred them to outside sources. So like Todd, I'd be inclined to think that having an appraisal course on your resume might be more conflicting than rewarding!

I'm in a similar position as Anne (masters in museum studies), though I'm moving into object conservation instead of collections management. I had the opportunity to work closely with an art authenticator/appraiser for a few weeks and became very interested in pursuing that path. He made it very clear, however, that I'd be shutting myself out of a career focused on museums if I became an art appraiser.

I can understand your interest in that track, Anne: it's fascinating! Were you interested in the course to gain experience in the insurance of museum artifacts, or in the research involved in authenticating art? If it's the latter, might I suggest a conservation course or reading up on x-ray analysis in museums instead? Though not focusing on appraisal, those would give you more skill sets in knowing an artifact on a level of material science and chemistry as well as aesthetically. 

Good luck!

Alexandra Trumbull


--- On Thu, 7/23/09, TOdd Bothel <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

From: TOdd Bothel <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Advice on appraising courses
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2009, 12:10 PM

Anne, if you continue to work in museums as a collections manager or curator, you will not be able to provide appraisals to donors or potential donors. It will help help you know the value of your museum's items for insurance purposes and aid in your own identification of artifacts. I would say, unless you are going to pursue appraising as a career and not work at a museum, I would not take the course.


-----Original Message-----
From: Anne Letkeman <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thu, Jul 23, 2009 11:48 am
Subject: Advice on appraising courses

I am a young museum professional with a master’s degree in museum studies. I have been working now as a collections specialist managing the collections of three historic houses for about two years. I am looking into taking an appraising course offered by the International Society of Appraisers. It is an expensive course, and I am wondering if it is worthwhile. Will it make me more appealing to future employers? Will it help my career as a collections manager if I have knowledge of appraising? Or would it lessen my credibility as collections manager?  Any advice would be helpful. You can respond to me on or off list. Thanks.
 
Anne Letkeman
Collections Specialist
City o f Roswell
Roswell, GA 30075
 
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