Regarding security, if there is any chance someone may break the window to steal the artifact (perhaps at night, when very few people are around), DO NOT USE THE ACTUAL ARTIFACT--USE A REPRODUCTION, ILLUSTRATION, OR PHOTOGRAPH.

gaw

Glenn A. Walsh, Project Director,
Friends of the Zeiss < http://friendsofthezeiss.org >
Electronic Mail - < [log in to unmask] >
SPACE & SCIENCE NEWS, ASTRONOMICAL CALENDAR:
  < http://buhlplanetarium.tripod.com/#news >
Author of History Web Sites on the Internet --
* Buhl Planetarium, Pittsburgh: 
  < http://buhlplanetarium.tripod.com >
* Adler Planetarium, Chicago:
  < http://adlerplanetarium.tripod.com >
* Astronomer, Educator, Optician John A. Brashear:
  < http://johnbrashear.tripod.com >
* Andrew Carnegie & Carnegie Libraries: 
  < http://andrewcarnegie.tripod.com > 
* Duquesne Incline cable-car railway, Pittsburgh: 
  < http://incline.pghfree.net >
* Public Transit:
  < http://andrewcarnegie2.tripod.com/transit >


--- On Mon, 3/9/09, Cedar Phillips <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> From: Cedar Phillips <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] using artifacts in a window display
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Date: Monday, March 9, 2009, 1:48 PM
> It sounds like too big of an opportunity to pass up. I'd
> go for it, BUT do
> so in a way that minimizes potential damages to the
> objects. Instead of
> using textiles or prints or other more sun-sensitive
> materials, select
> sturdier artifacts able to handle the space. You'll
> want to change things
> out regularly, both to protect the artifacts as well as to
> keep the window
> fresh. Mannequins and figures are certainly eye-catching,
> but perhaps you
> could use some reproduction pieces when possible. You can
> also use this
> process as an example to educate your board members about
> the care and
> preservation of historic artifacts by explaining your
> preferred choice of
> materials selected for display.
> 
> I think this sounds like a potentially wonderful plan, and
> suggest that you
> think about how to use the windows not as history exhibits
> in themselves,
> but as a way to draw people in the door to look at the
> exhibitions inside
> the museum itself. With a space like that you can really
> get creative. A
> window display is different than an interior exhibit, and
> you can use it to
> promote existing exhibitions, highlight seasonal things (we
> have a small
> interior window space carved out of our museum store, and
> last summer one of
> the volunteers created a wonderful beach-themed window
> showcasing historic
> bathing suits), or just generally remind people that you
> exist and that they
> should come in and check out the inside. Which of course is
> exactly what a
> store window is meant to do. You're right to be
> concerned about the
> collection, but I think you will be able to work out a
> compromise that works
> for everyone.
> 
> Cedar Phillips
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Museum discussion list
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
> Of marcia
> Sent: Sunday, March 08, 2009 3:52 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [MUSEUM-L] using artifacts in a window display
> 
> I just started my first museum job. Our board, who are only
> somewhat
> informed about correct museum practices, has an exhibit
> concept using actual
> artifacts in several window displays.  The windows have UV
> protection, but I
> still don't feel great about that.  
> 
> I've asked a few other museum professionals, and some
> are appalled I'd even
> ask, and some think it's a nifty plan.  
> 
> Details if you want: Yes, temp/humidity control.  No, not
> great
> security--right on a street.  Yes, busy street, lots of
> vibration.  No, no
> awnings, and building faces west. Yes, follows mission of
> museum, and
> frankly, yes, would probably attract people.
> 
> I don't want to start off my career being a bad
> steward, but I'm also not
> sure how to handle telling them that a concept they've
> been working on for a
> few years might not work.
> 
> Help if you will.
> 
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