The Mapping Museums project aims at analysing development and change within the UK museum sector from 1960 until the present day. In order to achieve that ambition, the research team has had to compile a dataset of all the museums open during that period. Doing so led us to ask what kinds of organisations should be included and how we should make that decision. Should we include heritage and visitor centres, historic houses and other buildings, or the exhibitions in hospitals, town halls, and corporate headquarters? What about galleries without collections or museums that are only open for five days per year? Should we draw the line between private collections and private museums, and if so, where and how?
In her inaugural lecture Professor Fiona Candlin, Principal Investigator on the Mapping Museum project, outlines the various approaches that the team adopted (and mainly abandoned) in their pursuit of a coherent selection strategy.
For more information and to book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/inaugural-lecture-series-professor-fiona-candlin-tickets-57995993578
Location: Clore Management Centre, Birkbeck, University of London, Torrington Square, London WC1E