Description
Book Synopsis: The first history of the deaccession of objects from museum collections that defends deaccession as an essential component of museum practice.
Museums often stir controversy when they deaccession works—formally remove objects from permanent collections—with some critics accusing them of betraying civic virtue and the public trust. In fact, Martin Gammon argues in Deaccessioning and Its Discontents, deaccession has been an essential component of the museum experiment for centuries. Gammon offers the first critical history of deaccessioning by museums from the seventeenth to the twenty-first century, and exposes the hyperbolic extremes of “deaccession denial”—the assumption that deaccession is always wrong—and “deaccession apology”—when museums justify deaccession by finding some fault in the object—as symptoms of the same misunderstanding of the role of deaccessions in proper museum practice. He chronicles a series of deaccession events in Britain and the United States that range from the disastrous to the beneficial, and proposes a typology of principles to guide future deaccessions.
Gammon describes the liquidation of the British Royal Collections after Charles I's execution—when masterworks were used as barter to pay the king's unpaid bills—as establishing a precedent for future deaccessions. He recounts, among other episodes, U.S. Civil War veterans who tried to reclaim their severed limbs from museum displays; the 1972 “Hoving affair,” when the Metropolitan Museum of Art sold a number of works to pay for a Velázquez portrait; and Brandeis University's decision (later reversed) to close its Rose Art Museum and sell its entire collection of contemporary art. An appendix provides the first extensive listing of notable deaccessions since the seventeenth century. Gammon ultimately argues that vibrant museums must evolve, embracing change, loss, and reinvention.
Details
Are you a museum enthusiast who craves a deeper understanding of the controversial practice of deaccessioning? Look no further than "Deaccessioning and Its Discontents: A Critical History" by Martin Gammon, published by Mit Press. This groundbreaking book offers the first comprehensive exploration of the deaccessioning of objects from museum collections, presenting a compelling case for its importance in the dynamic world of museum practice.
Some may question the ethicality of deaccessioning, accusing museums of betraying civic virtue and the public trust. However, Gammon reveals the historical significance of deaccessioning, tracing its roots back to the seventeenth century. He challenges the misconceptions surrounding deaccessioning denial and apology, urging readers to embrace a new understanding of this essential component of proper museum practice.
Throughout the pages of "Deaccessioning and Its Discontents," Gammon shares captivating stories of past deaccession events. From the British Royal Collections being liquidated to pay the king's debts, to the controversial decision of Brandeis University to sell its entire collection, these real-life examples shed light on the diverse impact of deaccessioning. As you delve into the book, you'll gain valuable insights into the intricacies of these decisions and their lasting effects on the art world.
By proposing a typology of principles to guide future deaccessions, Gammon empowers both museum professionals and enthusiasts alike. With an appendix providing an extensive listing of notable deaccessions since the seventeenth century, this book serves as an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving museum landscape.
Don't miss out on this thought-provoking and informative read. "Deaccessioning and Its Discontents: A Critical History" invites you to challenge preconceived notions and embrace the necessity of change, loss, and reinvention within the realm of museum collections. Join the conversation and order your copy today!
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