Hi Isabella,

 

Let’s assume for a moment that your concerns are real and we are looking at unprofessional conduct. Also that some site members are aware of this actual instance. I do not think it would be appropriate for listserv members to be “dishing the dirt” on specific individuals in specific institutions on this open forum? Don’t even mention the “slander” word!

 

As it happens, I think one site member has already put your mind at rest, so the point I am making is a general one.

 

What do site members think?

 

I am sure your interest was “inquisitive” rather than to get anyone into trouble, but I think one has to be ever so careful when discussing actual incidents (real or not) rather than general concepts.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Jerry Symonds – Snr. Internal Auditor

Historic Royal Palaces

Surrey

England  

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of . .
Sent: 25 February 2011 04:15
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Concerning Blog Post

 

Hello!

I'm a long time lurker to the list.  This afternoon, I was looking up information on vintage dresses and gowns when I came across this blogger's post: http://thedarlingsfables.tumblr.com/post/3489854698/a-pair-of-kindred-spirits   For those that don't like links, it says the following:

My friend Lesley and I used to work at a museum and one day after work we snuck some brilliant dresses off some mannequins and some other props and came up with these charming photos. I hope they bring you as much satisfaction and longing for summer as they do me.

The post is accompanied by an array of photos of the two ladies in what are clearly late 19th century/early 20th century gowns doing a variety of seemingly innocent activities; such as cloud watching in the grass or kneeling outside in the grass.  However, those activities are extremely damaging to antique cotton and silk gowns not to mention any insects or chemicals they may have gotten on them thanks to lawn care. 

I would love to believe that she was joking and did have permission -much in the same vain as I say when I tell people I'm going to "kidnap" my nephew- but I can't imagine a curator allowing someone to lay down outside in the grass in an antique dress that is part of the museum's collection.

So, if you all can help ease my mind and tell me she did actually have permission to wear the dresses, that would be awesome.  Does anyone even recognize the gowns?  I believe the lady lives in Canada but I'm unsure if the museum she "borrowed" these dresses from is there.   Does anyone know if she had permission or not?  Is the museum even aware of what took place?  

If she didn't have permission, how did she manage to get the artifacts out of the museum without anyone raising an eyebrow?   I really think this might be a larger discussion on museum security and procedures, particularly for trusted individuals in the museum.  

I really hope someone recognizes the gowns and can help tell me yea or nay on whether or not this lady had permission to have those gowns.

Thank you,

Isabella