🎡London Museums Unit 10 – Museum Policies: Curation and Acquisition

What's This Unit About?

• Explores the policies and practices that guide how museums curate and acquire objects for their collections
• Focuses on the decision-making processes involved in determining which objects are selected for display and preservation
• Examines the ethical considerations and challenges that arise in the curation and acquisition of museum objects
• Investigates how museum policies shape the visitor experience and the cultural narratives presented
• Provides case studies of London museums to illustrate real-world applications of curation and acquisition policies

Key Concepts in Museum Policies

• Collection management involves the documentation, care, and preservation of museum objects
• Accession is the formal process of adding an object to a museum's permanent collection
• Deaccession refers to the removal of an object from a museum's collection, often due to changing priorities or ethical concerns
• Provenance is the history of ownership and origin of an object, which is crucial for establishing its authenticity and legal status
• Repatriation involves returning cultural objects to their country or community of origin, often in cases where they were acquired through unethical means
• Cultural sensitivity requires museums to consider the cultural significance and sacred nature of certain objects, especially those from indigenous or marginalized communities

The Art of Curation

• Curation is the process of selecting, organizing, and presenting objects in a meaningful way to tell a story or convey a message
• Curators must consider the historical, cultural, and artistic significance of objects when making decisions about what to include in exhibitions
• Thematic exhibitions focus on a particular topic or theme, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of a subject
• Chronological exhibitions present objects in a timeline, showcasing the development of a particular art form, culture, or historical period
• Interactive exhibitions incorporate technology and hands-on elements to engage visitors and enhance their learning experience
• Collaboration with artists, scholars, and community members can bring diverse perspectives and expertise to the curation process

Acquisition Strategies and Challenges

• Acquisition policies outline the criteria and procedures for adding objects to a museum's collection
• Donations and bequests are common ways for museums to acquire objects, but they must be carefully evaluated for their relevance and condition
• Purchases require museums to allocate funds strategically and prioritize acquisitions that align with their mission and collection goals
• Loans allow museums to temporarily display objects from other institutions or private collections, enabling them to present a wider range of artworks and artifacts
• Legal and ethical issues can arise in the acquisition process, such as determining ownership rights and ensuring that objects were not obtained through looting or illegal means
• Storage and conservation needs must be considered when acquiring objects, as museums have a responsibility to properly care for and preserve their collections

Ethical Considerations

• Museums have a duty to present accurate and balanced information about the objects in their collections and the cultures they represent
• Transparency about the provenance and acquisition history of objects is essential for maintaining public trust and accountability
• Consultation with source communities is important when displaying or interpreting objects of cultural significance, to ensure respectful and appropriate representation
• Restitution and repatriation of objects obtained through unethical means, such as during colonial times or through looting, is an ongoing challenge for many museums
  • The Benin Bronzes, looted from Nigeria by British forces in 1897, are a prominent example of objects that have been subject to calls for repatriation
• Balancing access and preservation is a key ethical consideration, as museums must make their collections available for public education and research while also ensuring their long-term conservation

Case Studies: London Museums

• The British Museum's acquisition of the Parthenon Marbles (also known as the Elgin Marbles) has been a source of controversy and debate, with Greece calling for their return
• The Victoria and Albert Museum's collection of South Asian art includes objects acquired during British colonial rule, raising questions about the ethics of their acquisition and display
• The Horniman Museum's decision to repatriate a collection of Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in 2022 demonstrates a growing recognition of the need to address historical injustices in museum collections
• The Wellcome Collection's decision to close its Medicine Man exhibition in 2022 highlights the importance of critically examining the representation of non-Western cultures in museum displays
• The Museum of London's London, Sugar & Slavery exhibition explores the city's role in the transatlantic slave trade and its legacy, demonstrating the potential for museums to address difficult histories

Practical Applications

• Developing clear acquisition policies and procedures can help museums make informed and ethical decisions about the objects they collect
• Conducting thorough provenance research is essential for identifying objects with problematic histories and taking appropriate action, such as repatriation or providing contextual information
• Collaborating with source communities and cultural experts can ensure that objects are displayed and interpreted in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner
• Implementing robust documentation and collection management systems can help museums keep track of their objects and their histories, facilitating research and accountability
• Engaging in ongoing professional development and training can help museum staff stay up-to-date with best practices and emerging issues in curation and acquisition

Wrapping It Up

• Museum policies on curation and acquisition have significant implications for the stories and narratives that museums present to the public
• Ethical considerations, such as provenance, cultural sensitivity, and repatriation, are becoming increasingly important in shaping museum practices
• London museums offer valuable case studies for examining the challenges and opportunities of curation and acquisition in a global context
• Developing transparent, accountable, and culturally responsive policies is essential for museums to maintain public trust and fulfill their educational and cultural missions
• As societal values and expectations evolve, museums must be willing to adapt their policies and practices to ensure they remain relevant and responsible stewards of cultural heritage