jeanflop/post-ocr-correction huggingface dataset:
for the assistance of local collections should be greatly increased, and its existence made more widely known". "The Cook Collection" It was announced in March that the late Mr. Ernest Edward Cook, a grandson of the founder of the travel agency, had bequeathed his important collections to the National Art Collections fund for distribution to the museums and galleries of England, thus giving provincial galleries the opportunity of adding to their collections. "A Theatre Museum" At a meeting organized by the Society for Theatre Research it was proposed to form a Committee to consider the establishment of a national Theatre
a Committee to consider the establishment of a national Theatre Museum or Institute and to appoint Trustees so that gifts and bequests would become the legal property of the museum. "The American Wing", by L. B. POWELL (New York) Mrs. Powell describes the collection in the American wing, of which she is Keeper, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. The building is devoted to the chronological development of the interior architecture and decorative arts in the American colonies and the early Federal period of the United States (1650—1850). Twenty-one complete rooms have been taken from old houses of
Twenty-one complete rooms have been taken from old houses of various periods and installed on three floors. The visible and tangible evidence of the past is used to make real the traditions and the values on which the country was founded. "Museums as Architecture", by J. SUMMERSON (London) Description of the approach of British architects of the past to museum design. The most representative buildings from the British Museum to the Horniman Museum are briefly described. In conclusion the author states "we are still faced with a choice between the conventional and the "progressive" behind all problems of detail and
conventional and the "progressive" behind all problems of detail and functions is a psychological problem which nobody has yet solved in our time". During the ensuing discussion MM. G. H. Rivière, Director of Icom and Dubuisson, architect, showed the plans for the new Musée national des arts et traditions populaires, to be erected in Paris at the approved cost of 500.000. The architect has managed to observe the needs of modern museography and has made his design adaptable to ever changing ideas in museums policy and technique. Other speakers stated that Curators often suffer from architects and that architects of
that Curators often suffer from architects and that architects of most museum buildings should be compelled to live and work in the buildings for at least five years. vol. 55, n° 10, Jan. 1956 "Restriction by education" With the development of science and the need for technicians, culture is at the crossroads but museums, like schools, should not be rigorously divided between learning and science. Restriction through education is a paradox in days when the utmost width of outlook is a necessity. Museum men and women have realized the educational role of museums but there is room for greater effort
role of museums but there is room for greater effort if museums are to fill the place that they must occupy in the new economy and ecology of education today. "National museums and local material", by R. L. S. BRUCE-MITFORD (London) The Keeper of British and Mediaeval Antiquities in the British Museum defends the right of national museums to claim local material. A national museum is a setting for outstanding treasures where they may be 1) Safe from theft, fire or neglect; 2) Assured of the very best laboratory attention and scientific knowledge, experience and equipment for their care and
and scientific knowledge, experience and equipment for their care and study; 3) Alongside other objects of the same class. Only a concentration of the best can produce a full impact or total effect in illustrating a phase of early history; 4) Where they are most accessible to the largest number of scholars and students and visitors; 5) Where they can be looked after by curators able to specialize and so in a position to realize the true value of a specimen, and qualified to publish adequately such specimens. Owing to the importance of local excavations, provincial museums are able to
the importance of local excavations, provincial museums are able to acquire much archaeological material. This need not lead to rivalry and a certain amount of give and take is necessary to satisfy the interests of national and regional museums. In the ensuing discussion the orators were in favour of close cooperation between national and regional museums and drew attention to the failure of national museums to publish adequately many of the treasures which had long been in their possession. "Museums in a changing age", by W. C. CONSTABLE (Boston) The Curator of paintings at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts,
Curator of paintings at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, U.S.A., discusses the possibility of developing the museum as a Centre concerned with all the arts: music, drama, cinema, ballet. Should a museum become a recognized part of the educational system of a community? Is a museum to become a Centre for distributing works of art throughout a community even to hospitals and homes of the aged? — Should the museum become the active Centre of advice to collectors and owners of pictures; advice which deals with authenticity, authorship and also framing, hanging and conservation? — How far should museums
also framing, hanging and conservation? — How far should museums go into the publication business? — What is to be the relation of a museum to contemporary art? — To what extent is it to provide an exhibiting ground and patronage for the living artist? There are no cut and dried answers. "Bloom in varnished paintings", by N. BROMMELLE (London) The restorer at the National Gallery describes the cause and cure of bloom in varnished paintings. Bloom is due to condensation, notably of ammonia and sulphurous productions from coal smoke. Newly varnished pictures have a tendency to bloom. However, a
Newly varnished pictures have a tendency to bloom. However, a notoriously blooming varnish does not normally bloom if the picture is put under glass soon after varnishing or if it is placed against a wall with the varnished side inwards. Certain waxes are being successfully used by the National Gallery. "Plastic Light Filters" At the request of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, a Philadelphian company has developed a light-filtering material, of Plexiglas cast acrylic plastic, as an improved means of protecting exhibits against fading and other damage from strong light. According to an engineering study sponsored by the
strong light. According to an engineering study sponsored by the museum, the material, Plexiglas II UF "presents practically clear transparency to visible light while filtering out the highest percentage of ultra-violet of all those special filters studied which gave satisfactory transmittance over the whole visible spectrum". The material may be used inside regular glass of windows, within cases, and over fluorescent light fixtures. It is available in large sheets, is easily sawed and shaped, weighs less than half as much as glass, and is highly shatter resistant. vol. 55, n° 11, Feb. 1956 "A museum week" Announcement of the programme
11, Feb. 1956 "A museum week" Announcement of the programme of the International Campaign for museums to be held October 6 to 13, 1956, which includes the publication of specialist papers, international television news programmes, etc. There will be a museum poster competition for children on a national basis. The two best drawings by children under the age of twelve and two from those between 12 and 18 will be forwarded to Unesco for adjudication among the other national submissions. Special arrangements could be made locally to tie up with the Campaign such as the inauguration of a new gallery
the Campaign such as the inauguration of a new gallery or display, a series of special school visits, a small publication on the museum and its services suitable for distribution in factories, hotels, etc., lectures, receptions, concerts, the display of posters throughout the town, etc. "Dialect displayed", by R. PATTERSON (York) The Curator of the Castle Museum, York, describes the new display of dialect by means of a tape recorder which has been installed in the Agricultural Gallery. A press button brings the recorder into action and switches on a spotlight to illuminate a map of Yorkshire on which are
spotlight to illuminate a map of Yorkshire on which are indicated the locations of the dialect speakers. "An international Institute", by F. I. G. RAWLINS (London) The Secretary General of the International Institute for the Conservation of museum objects describes the work of this institution. The Office is situated at the National Gallery, London. "The use of rubber latex moulds", by J. L. FORDE JOHNSON Later experiments have widened the scope of the original process described in a former article. The most successful method of rendering the latex mould rigid while retaining the exact form of the marking is to
while retaining the exact form of the marking is to float the sheet of latex on to a plaster-of-Paris backing. "The reconstruction of a tomb", by A. H. OSWALD (Birmingham) The author describes the recent reconstruction of a Bronze Age tomb from Jericho at the City Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham. The contents were exceedingly well preserved; full plans and photographs of excellent quality were supplied by the excavator so that it was possible to present a cross section of the tomb yet to retain the feeling of an underground chamber. Re-arrangements at the National Gallery In the early Spring
chamber. Re-arrangements at the National Gallery In the early Spring six more rooms will be reopened at the National Gallery. Before then there is much to be done even in the rooms already accessible to the public. Fluorescent light is to be installed throughout the Gallery. In the rooms which have been remodelled for air conditioning the problem of lighting has been solved: fluorescent tubes are concealed behind louvres in the new laylights. In the other rooms with their old high ceilings the problem of providing artificial light of approximately the same brilliance is much more difficult. New glass roofs
the same brilliance is much more difficult. New glass roofs and new floors are to be laid in two Rooms and several rooms are to be painted. The addition of six rooms will increase the number of pictures at present exhibited by about 125, belonging to all schools. Though it is necessary to rearrange very nearly the whole of the collections the gallery will remain open to the public. (1) See Icom News, February 1951. (2) May 1955 (See Icom News, Aug.-October 1955). UNITED STATES The Museum News. Pub. by the American Associations of museums. Washington. vol. 33, n° 9,
the American Associations of museums. Washington. vol. 33, n° 9, Nov. 1, 1955 New installations The Montclair Art Museum, N.J. opened its remodeled building in October. Alterations have been made to the main entrance and hall. In the North Gallery interflooring gives two levels. The education department has improved lighting and new equipment. Under the wing built into a hillside there is a large storage area. The Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, has dedicated its recently installed Planetarium. Professional meetings The Northeast Museums Conference of the A.A.M. held its 1955 meeting at Scranton in October. vol. 33, n°
its 1955 meeting at Scranton in October. vol. 33, n° 10, Nov. 15, 1955 New buildings and installations The International Business machines Corporation is planning to build the IBM Gallery of Arts and Sciences at Endicott, N.Y. on land adjacent to the IBM Laboratory building to house its extensive art collections and scientific material. The Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, is now a separate administrative entity similar to the Yale Library and the Peabody Museum of Natural History. Heretofore, it has been part of the Division of the arts. The Rowan Museum, Salisbury, N.C., which occupies an early 19th
The Rowan Museum, Salisbury, N.C., which occupies an early 19th century house, was opened in October. Professional meetings The South eastern Museums Conference of the A.A.M. held its meeting at Nashville, Tenn., and the Midwest Museums Conference at Chicago. vol. 33, n° 11, Dec. 1, 1955 Museum project The University of Minnesota, Duluth Branch is to build a new Art Gallery. The first floor and a mezzanine balcony will provide exhibition space; offices will be above, and below the first floor there will be a large rehearsal and concert hall. The main entrance will be glass fronted. There is to
The main entrance will be glass fronted. There is to be fluorescent lighting for general illumination, and incandescent and fluorescent spot lighting. New installations The Klamath County Museum, devoted to the history of the Klamath Basin, has been opened in Klamath Falls, Ore., and a Museum of contemporary Crafts is to be opened in New York City near the Museum of Modern Art. The Hagley Museum, of early local industry will occupy the textile mill built in 1814 by E. L. du Pont. The William H. Seward House, Auburn, N.Y., has been restored and opened as a museum. The Charlotte
has been restored and opened as a museum. The Charlotte Children's Nature Museum, N.C., is installing a Spitz planetarium. Professional meetings The Mountain-Plains Museums Conference of the A.A.M. held its meeting at Fort Worth, Texas, in October. vol. 33, n° 12, Dec. 15, 1956 New installations The Kalamazoo Public Museum, Mich., is to occupy part of a museum-library building to be constructed shortly. The Manor of St. George, Mastic, Long Island, N.Y. has recently been established as a museum and park. The Constitution Park Museum, Port St. Joe, Fla., was opened in December. vol. 33, n° 13, Jan, 1, 1956
opened in December. vol. 33, n° 13, Jan, 1, 1956 New buildings The Atlanta Art Association, Ga., has opened its new museum building. The two story structure of modern design is air-conditioned throughout. The main floor is at street level. Another building adjoining the museum property is being prepared for use as the Decorative Arts Museum. The Statesville Children's Museum, N.C., will soon occupy a six-room house remodeled for the purpose. Blindina Museum reopens The Blindina Museum, Perkins Institute and Massachusetts School for the Blind, Watertown, has been reopened. Exhibits have been rearranged to show the history of work for
have been rearranged to show the history of work for the blind. vol. 33, n° 14, Jan. 15, 1956 Building plans The Evansville Museum of Arts and Sciences, Ind., is completing architectural drawings for its new building. In modern design the structure will be composed of a three-story block and a flanking two-story unit. There will be a large flexible exhibit area, a 400-seat auditorium, work and storage space on the first floor. Planetarium, library, and classrooms are provided for above the main lobby. The Carnegie Institute has obtained the necessary repair funds for the rehabilitation of its building. The
necessary repair funds for the rehabilitation of its building. The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., is planning the construction of a museum of History and Technology. Construction of the building was authorized by Congress. An architectural program is in preparation. The opening is planned for 1960. The selection of a site for the National Air Museum is being widely discussed. The Thomas A. Edison Laboratory at West Orange, N.J., is to become a national monument, and the inventor's home, also at West Orange, a national historic site. The Traveltown Transportation Museum, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, has been opened in a converted
Griffith Park, Los Angeles, has been opened in a converted railroad prison car. Commercial Museum, Philadelphia The Philadelphia Commercial Museum celebrated in 1955 the fiftieth anniversary of its educational Service. Close contact has been maintained for thirty years with the school District of Philadelphia and the Board of Public Education. An important reconditioning program is being carried out at the museum which will allow far more space for permanent and temporary exhibitions. It is hoped to organize travelling exhibitions and the museum is anxious to contact European concerns interested in the improvement of commercial and industrial material in fields such
the improvement of commercial and industrial material in fields such as ceramics, textiles, automobiles, etc. USSR Museum of architecture, Baku A museum of the architecture of Azerbaijan has recently been created at Baku, on the Caspian Sea. The museum is installed in the palace of the former rulers of Shirvan, one of the ancient provinces. The galleries now open to the public illustrate the history of Azerbaijan architecture from the twelfth to the eighteenth century. (Vatican Features, Jan. 16, 1956) VATICAN Papal museums The museums of classical art are being reorganized in order to reduce the number of exhibits displayed.
reorganized in order to reduce the number of exhibits displayed. It has therefore been necessary to organize new reserve sections. Moreover, the technical and scientific laboratories have been installed more rationally and equipped with modern apparatus. A card index of the Vatican collections is being established. Each card carries a microphotographic reproduction of the object indexed. The photographic library now contains more than 50,000 photographs and approximately 30,000 negatives. VENZUELA Museum of Natural Sciences The Museum of Natural Sciences, Caracas, published early in 1955 the first issue of a quarterly bulletin which contains a paper read by the honorary Director
bulletin which contains a paper read by the honorary Director of the museum at the Inter American Conference of renewable natural resources (Denver, Colorado, Sept. 1948). The article, entitled "La importancia de los museos de ciencias naturales en la conservación de los recursos naturales", first stresses the irrational attitude of man towards natural resources, then explains the way in which a natural history museum through its own particular methods of display can teach men to know and respect nature. The Staff is ready to put its knowledge of the ecology of the land at the disposal of those who specialize
of the land at the disposal of those who specialize in agriculture and in the conservation of natural resources. YUGOSLAVIA Vijesti društva muzejsko-konzervatorskih radnika NR Hrvatske, Zagreb News of the Museums Association and Historic Monuments Services of Croatia (review) vol. 4, n° 1, Feb. 1955 (extracts) Iz društva i podružnica (News of the Association and branches) "Zaključci sa godišnje skupštine Saveza muzejsko-konzervatorskih društava FNRJ održane 3. i 4. XII, 1954. godine u Beogradu" (Conclusions of the meeting of the Union of Museums Associations, Belgrade, 3-4 December, 1954). The main conclusions of the meeting concern the following points: museum legislation and
of the meeting concern the following points: museum legislation and an increase in museum finances; the creation of special sections within the Union; the organization of professional training courses in each Republic under the direction of participants in the Unesco Seminar at Athens; continued cooperation with the national Icom Committee; the creation of fellowships to study museums abroad; the termination of the publication on Yugoslav museums; the creation of a documentation Center; an annual museums week. "Sastanak slavonske Podružnice", by M. MALBASA (General Assembly of the Slavonian Branch). Meeting held in January 1955. Discussions concerned organization and administration problems. Iz
in January 1955. Discussions concerned organization and administration problems. Iz muzeja (Museum news) "Osnutan park skulpture u Samoboru", by I. SUDNIK (Open air exhibition of sculptures at Samobor) The grounds of the municipal museum at Samobor are being prepared to receive modern sculptures. "Tuloloski muzej i njegova problematika", by N. GOLLNER (Museum of the blind and their problems). This museum in Zagreb specializes in the study of social problems involved in adapting blind persons to a normal life. Museum bibliography: Croatian bibliography 1945—1953 (continued) vol. 4, n° 2, April 1955 (Extracts) Iz muzeja (Museum news) "Ivan Kukuljević, prvi konservator za
(Extracts) Iz muzeja (Museum news) "Ivan Kukuljević, prvi konservator za Hrvatsku i Slavoniju", by D. JURMAN-KARAMAN (Ivan Kukuljević, first Curator of the Historic Monuments Service; on the occasion of the Service's centenary). The initial efforts for the protection and conservation of historic monuments were made by this first Curator. "Savjetovanje muzealaca pomorskih muzeja FNRJ", by R. MATEJČIĆ (Yugoslav maritime museums meeting). The educational and scientific role of these museums was evoked. All the maritime museums were represented at this meeting during which the problems of the museums at Dubrovnik, Split, and Rijeka were discussed. Tretiranje muzeološkog problema u natječajnim radovima
and Rijeka were discussed. Tretiranje muzeološkog problema u natječajnim radovima za obnovu starog grada u Sisku, by S. VRBANović (Adaptation of a stronghold at Sisak to museum needs). Following a contest and through the cooperation of the various specialists involved: architect, town planner, historic monuments and museum Curator, a satisfactory project has been drawn up. "Osnovan je tehnički muzej", by P. GRĐENIĆ (Creation of a technical museum) A museum of technology was opened temporarily in Zagreb in 1954 until such time as a larger building could be obtained. It is to include the following sections: physics, chemistry, electricity, mining and
to include the following sections: physics, chemistry, electricity, mining and chemical industries, metallurgy, agriculture, food industries, lighting, architecture, etc. DOCUMENTS Type specimens in Botany and zoology (1) At the second general conference of Icom, held in London in 1950, the Committee for Natural History Museums was charged with the task of considering all means of impressing on such museums the importance of type specimens. In this work they were to seek the cooperation of the International Union of Biological Sciences. The type-specimens committee, consisting of Dr. W. E. SWINTON as Chairman, Dr. A. E. PARR of the American Museum of
Chairman, Dr. A. E. PARR of the American Museum of Natural History, Prof. V. van STRAELEN of the Institut royal des Sciences Naturelles, Brussels, M. CARAYON of the Museum national d'histoire naturelle, Paris, and Professor VARLEY of Oxford University, with the assistance of M. G. H. RIVIÈRE and Mile M. BENOIST D'Azy of Icom, met in Oxford in July, 1952. As a result of this meeting, Dr. Swinton was charged with the preparation of a small pamphlet in French and English suitable for the smaller museum which might have type specimens in its care, but yet be without the specialist
specimens in its care, but yet be without the specialist staff to appreciate their significance and their need for preservation. The financial provisions were made by Icom in its 1954 budget and this booklet is the result. Science exhibits The Science Service, Washington (2) has recently published a booklet (1) on exhibition techniques for science exhibits mainly in the field of chemistry. Photographs and diagrams illustrate the practical information given under the following headings: science exhibits; students' projects; chemical surprises; display ideas for exhibits; putting on a show. Listing the objects in a small museum Cataloguing objects in a small