Usually, they will also request a Standard Facility Report, a detailed facility profile, from each museum where the piece will be shown. With museums of the quality of those in Memphis, San Diego and Chicago, there are rarely concerns. But the Telfair has occasionally had to reassure lending institutions. The same institution also wanted its painting to hang in the sightline of a guard at all times. It was assured on both points, and the work will be included in the exhibit.
Success is less certain yet less troublesome when dealing with private collectors.
To date, no private lender for the exhibition has requested facilities reports. But individuals may not care about establishing goodwill with a museum or having their work included in an important exhibition. Some just don't want a blank spot over the living room mantle. After weeks of legwork, McWhorter traced one painting to a gallery in Dallas that had sold it to a collector. Fortunately, many people wealthy enough to own an original Frieseke understand the importance of art and they are willing to lend under the right circumstances.