Use it or lose it: The opportunities and challenges of bringing historic places to life

Staniforth, Sarah; Lloyd, Helen

Use it or lose it: The opportunities and challenges of bringing historic places to life

Resource type

Journal article

Creator (person)

Staniforth, Sarah

Lloyd, Helen

Date published

July 19, 2013

Abstract

Decorative art collections which remain in the places for which they were made, bought, or collected can illuminate the past by showing how objects were used. This paper explores how managers and collections care staff can establish levels of visitor access and object use which enhance the visitor experience. Conservation management plans are used to determine the significance of historic places and distinguish between their relative sensitivities. By contrast, conservation of collections tends to treat all objects as of equal significance and vulnerability to change while conservators aim to make all objects last 'forever'. The National Trust, UK, now accepts that conservation is the careful management of change. Materials have a finite life-time, and places will evolve, but experiences can be preserved. This approach depends on an ability to distinguish between robust and fragile materials, between furnishings indigenous to each property, and those brought in to supplement displays; the latter can be used more intensively to 'bring places to life'. The pleasure which visitors derive from the use of collections enhances their appreciation of museums, and in turn creates a virtuous circle where visitor numbers and income increase. Museums may have to stop exercising the precautionary principle in order to become more sustainable organizations.