A Museum Conference

Abstract

I AM glad to see that Mr. Paton has, in NATURE, vol. xxi, p. 442, again revived the subject of a museum conference, and offers to give his aid towards such attaining a practical form. The desirability of a Museum Association was first suggested in an article in NATURE, vol. xv. p. 276, and this was followed by a more definite proposal for a conference by “J. P.,” and with the addition of a letter in favour of the same object by Dr. Meyer nothing further was published about it. This looked as if the subject was not considered of any great importance, but I believe many curators were decidedly in favour of it, and only awaited it assuming a practical form to give it their hearty support. The success which has attended the Library Association gives every reason to believe that the formation of a similar association of museum officials would lead to equally good results. Apart from the benefits to be derived from an interchange of ideas and results of experience, which, considering the varied nature of museums and the many practical questions involved in their successful management, could not fail to be considerable, there are many things affecting provincial museums generally that would be greatly advanced by united action. One of these, the distribution of the British Museum duplicates, I should like to refer to. In the British Museum Removals Bill a clause was inserted at the instigation of Mr. Mundella, M.P., and Mr. Chamberlain, M.P., which states that “the Trustees of the British Museum may also give away any duplicate works, objects, or specimens not required for the purposes of the Museum.” Instead of giving away, however, I learn that the Trustees are about to sell by auction some of the duplicate prints, drawings, &c., in the Museum; and fearing that other duplicates might be disposed of in a similar manner I had the matter brought before Mr. Mundella, who obtained an interview with the Right Hon. Spencer Walpole, Chairman of the Trustees, and was informed that instructions had been given for duplicates in the Natural History Departments to be laid aside and catalogued for distribution among the principal museums. This is somewhat reassuring, but why not treat all their duplicates in this way?—for it should be remembered that provincial towns contribute their share of imperial taxes.