London Museums Urged To Get Collections Out Of Storage

Lindsey
By Lindsey Last edited 158 months ago
London Museums Urged To Get Collections Out Of Storage

The Museums Association is challenging its London members to be creative in the face of coalition government spending cuts and bring unseen artefacts out of storage, rather than chase expensive landmark exhibitions.

The British Museum, Tate, National History Museum and National Maritime Museum all spend thousands on specialist storage each year, with only a proportion of their collection on show to the public. Few museums are in the position of the Wallace Collection, which cannot loan works out or keep items stored off-site under the terms of its bequest.

Curators could face some fascinating choices deciding how to refresh exhibitions from existing, unseen items rather than seeking high profile loans and international collaborations.

Meanwhile, a handful of London's 'House Museums' get an admiring write up in the New York Times. Which leads us to wonder, could 2011 be the year of boutique, rather than blockbuster?

Image of the British Museum by D I C K S D A I L Y via the Londonist Flickrpool

Last Updated 19 January 2011