Behind the Scenes at the Museum
No, not based on the novel of the same name; this is a three-part documentary currently broadcasting on BBC4 about small museums dealing with challenges. So far, we have learned about catfights among the retired men at the Commercial Vehicle Museum, and catfights between the curators and the custodians at the Freud Museum. I can't wait for what catfights will emerge at the National Waterways Museum next week.
All kidding aside, however, this has been an extraordinarily lucid documentary. I do find the filmmaker's frequent editorializing and opinions somewhat annoying, but he has done a great job of demonstrating the very real threats from within and without that museums face for a non-museological audience. Gaining funding, expanding appeal, retaining expertise, maintaining standards - all these are keywords for any museum studies person, but rarely thought of by visitors. I hope this opens up people's eyes.
For those who can't watch on iPlayer, here's a preview of the first episode on YouTube.
All kidding aside, however, this has been an extraordinarily lucid documentary. I do find the filmmaker's frequent editorializing and opinions somewhat annoying, but he has done a great job of demonstrating the very real threats from within and without that museums face for a non-museological audience. Gaining funding, expanding appeal, retaining expertise, maintaining standards - all these are keywords for any museum studies person, but rarely thought of by visitors. I hope this opens up people's eyes.
For those who can't watch on iPlayer, here's a preview of the first episode on YouTube.
Comments
http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2010/may/21/behind-the-scenes-freud-museum
I watched the repeat (in the early hours of the morning!). Found it just so frustrating. Good interpretation does not = 'dumbing down'. Visitors value a concrete connection with the people or person at the heart of the narrative (the coat, the umbrella, the medical bag, the caretaker (for God's sake!). All of this is obvious isn't it? I had to wonder about the motives of one particular member of staff - was the Freud Museum there to disseminate information and engage visitors, or was it simply his personal play-ground?
(Gimme a job people, I could do so much good.)