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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 03-25Report to Executive Committee Report Number: CS 03-25 Date: April 7, 2025 From: Laura Gibbs Director, Community Services Subject: Deaccession of Museum Artifacts - 2025 Artifact Deaccession List - File: A-1440-001 Recommendation: 1. That the deaccession of museum artifacts, as set out in Attachment 1, be endorsed; and 2. That the staff be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in the report. Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to seek Council endorsement of the recommended museum deaccession of artifacts, as outlined in Attachment 1. The Pickering Museum Village (PMV) was created in 1959 by volunteers of the historical society. At that time, standards for collection records and care, and preventative conservation were not regulated through the Standards for Community Museums, administrated now by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming. Objects acquired in the early days were purchased at estate sales, auction, antique shops, and by donation with rarely any records or provenance and no mandate to acquire items only related to Pickering. The goal at that time was to furnish an exhibit depicting the Victorian period and settler life that is representative of those items which may have been used in Pickering. Due to this, many objects were stored outdoors, in barns, in uncovered conditions, and susceptible to pests and agents of deterioration. There were no permanent City staff, professionally trained in the museum field, overseeing the collection until 2009. 89% of this deaccession list is a result of these early collection practices and the museum’s continued work to review 50 years of collection activity within the museum’s large collection of over 10,000 artifacts. The recommended deaccession list includes artifacts that are not good candidates for research, education or display, are not relevant to Pickering, or pose a health and safety hazard to staff or the public. Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe & Healthy Community. CS 03-25 April 7, 2025 Subject: Deaccession of Museum Artifacts Page 2 Financial Implications: There are no financial implications resulting from the recommendations of this report. Discussion: The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval of the deaccession of museum artifacts, as outlined in Attachment 1. The final approval to deaccession must be granted by Council, as per Section 13.04 of Collections Development and Management Policy (CUL 010). While the museum has over 10,000 artifacts in the collection, deaccessioning allows for the following outcomes: •This removes artifacts from the core collection that are not good candidates forresearch, education, or display. This includes artifacts that are badly damaged, artifactsthat are not whole or are missing large parts, hazardous and unsafe items, and artifacts that do not demonstrate a strong connection to Pickering. •It provides space in collections storage facilities to house artifacts that are strongcandidates for research, education and display, allowing staff to continue to collect artifacts relevant to Pickering’s history. 1. Deaccession criteria from Collections Development and Management Policy (CUL010)was applied to each artifact City staff considered the criteria from the Collections Development and Management Policy CUL 010, Section 13.05 when identifying artifacts for deaccession which includes the following: •The artifact is significantly incomplete (unidentifiable piece or fragment). •The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. •The artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to thecollection. •The artifact is not relevant to the PMV’s collecting mandate and/or plan. •There is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. •The artifact has no effective use in current or future exhibitions, research, interpretation, active demonstration or public use. •Correcting old accessioning mistakes (i.e., item was never meant to be an artifact oraccessioned). •The object is a threat to the collection, staff, volunteers, or structure of the PMV. The deaccession list identifies the artifacts recommended for deaccession while describing the particular reasons for each recommendation, considering the artifact’s status, condition, and circumstances. All items, with the exception of 2015.1, have no provenance to Pickering and are in poor condition. The list includes 29 chairs, many of which are duplicates of examples already in the collection. The collection currently holds a total of 176 chairs. CS 03-25 April 7, 2025 Subject: Deaccession of Museum Artifacts Page 3 2015.1 (table and chairs) belonged to the Brown family of Salem Road and is in poor condition with pest damage requiring extensive conservation treatment to restore. The museum collection holds various other donations from the Brown family. All pest damage to 2015.1 occurred prior to the donation as it was stored in a barn on the donor’s property. Artifacts with pest damage are a result of being accepted into the collection in this condition or a result of the poor storage conditions from the mid to late 20th century. The Pickering Museum Village currently follows a strict Pest Management Policy CUL 160. This includes practices to quarantine new acquisitions, with restrictions of flora, fauna, and foods prohibited from the collection areas. The Conservator performs frequent collection monitoring, seasonal inspections, and maintains a regular site-wide pest control inspection by a contracted service provider. 2. The recommendation to deaccession artifacts followed the process outlined in the Deaccession of Artifacts Procedure (CUL 010) The process to deaccession artifacts is outlined in the Deaccession of Artifacts Procedure. Staff have completed the following steps: a. The Conservator compiled a list of artifacts recommended for deaccession, including the object accession number, name, reason for deaccession, location, donor information, photograph of the artifact and supporting documentation. Staff confirmed that the City holds the legal title to the object. The recommended list was reviewed and approved by the Supervisor, Museum Services. b. On February 18, 2025, staff presented the recommended deaccession list to the Cultural Advisory Committee (CAC) for review. The CAC endorsed the recommended deaccession following a discussion, with an opportunity to ask the Conservator and Supervisor, Museum Services questions. c. As per Section 04.01 the Director, Community Services is submitting the recommended deaccession of artifacts to Council for consideration and endorsement. 3. The relocation of artifacts is prioritized once they have been deaccessioned Once deaccession is approved, staff take the following steps to dispose of artifacts: a. Staff make all reasonable efforts to inform the registered donor or family that the object is to be disposed of (only if a tax receipt has not been issued). b. Staff make all reasonable efforts to relocate deaccessioned artifacts within the museum community. c. Failing steps one and two, the object may be offered for sale to the public in accordance with Section 15 of the Purchasing Policy (PUR 010), disposal of surplus assets. Any revenue from the sale of artifacts is required to go toward collections development or artifact maintenance/conservation (CUL 010). CS 03-25 April 7, 2025 Subject: Deaccession of Museum Artifacts Page 4 d.If the artifact is in a total state of disrepair, the artifact may be destroyed in view of twoCity staff. e.Information and images of all deaccessioned items will remain in the collections management database. The deaccessioning of artifacts provides space in collections storage facilities to house artifacts that are strong candidates for research, education and display, allowing staff to continue to collect artifacts relevant to Pickering’s history. Attachments: 1.Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By: Original Signed By Original Signed By Victoria Karakian, MMst, BA Laura Gibbs, MBA, MSc. Supervisor, Museum Services Director, Community Services Original Signed By Krystal Roberts Manager, Cultural Services VK:kr Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council Original Signed By Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession Attachment 1 to Report CS 03-25 Object ID Name Condition Picture Justification X969.5.85 Footboard Fair. Red paint is uneven and poorly done. There is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. X969.5.80 Headboard Fair. Red paint is uneven and poorly done. There is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. X969.5.86-87 Siderails Fair. Red paint is uneven and poorly done. There is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. X974.776.1 Frame Poor. Frame is now missing glass and backing. The artifact is not relevant to the PMV’s collecting mandate and/or plan. X974.776.1B Print Poor. Print is ripped in multiple places. The paper is very fragile. Stained and foxing The artifact is not relevant to the PMV’s collecting mandate and/or plan. Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession X2022.6.42 Wall Hanging Fair. Pieces of wood seem fairly attached. Paper appears to be weak. HAZARD - Nails are sticking out of the back. There is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact; the artifact is not relevant to the PMV’s collecting mandate and/or plan; object is a threat to the collection, staff, volunteers, or structure of the PMV. X999.6.3 Folding Chair Unstable. The fabric has rotted. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. X967.1.650 Kerosene Lantern Unstable. Glass is broken. Active corrosion. There is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact; the artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. X964.434.1B Ice Skate Poor. Activecorrosion. There is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact; the artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option ST2.443.1 Chair Poor. Spindles are broken. The artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection. Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession ST2.454.1 Chair Good. Has been repainted. There is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. X970.1.799 Chair Good. The artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. X966.1.152 Chair Good. Has been restored. The artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. X969.2.135 Chair Good. The artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. . ST2.441.1 Chair Fair. Surface dirt and paint is scratched. The artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession ST2.441.2 Chair Poor condition. Back has completely separated from seat. Paint is scratched and dirty. The artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. X2019.4.1 Chair Poor condition. Finish has worn off in large areas. Large hole in seat. There is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact; the artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. X2019.5.1 Chair Poor condition. Back has completely separated from seat. Many spindles are missing. There is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact; the artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. X2022.6.84 Chair Fair. Paint has peeled off most of surface. The artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. X2022.6.85 Chair Fair. Paint has been completely stripped. The artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession X2022.6.86 Chair Fair. Has been repainted and paint has been splattered onto chair. The artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. X960.3.209 Chair Fair. Wood is split, spindle is missing. The artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. X965.1.16 Chair Poor. 4 of 5 spindles are missing. Wood is chipped and worn. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; the artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection. 2015.1.2 Chair Poor condition. Finished has chipped off all over. Leather is dirty and cracked. Evidence of previous pest infestation. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession 2015.1.3 Chair Poor condition. Finished has chipped off all over. Leather is dirty and cracked. Evidence of previous pest infestation. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. 2015.1.4 Chair Poor condition. Finished has chipped off all over. Leather is dirty and cracked. Evidence of previous pest infestation. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. 2015.1.5 Chair Poor condition. Finished has chipped off all over. Leather is dirty and cracked. Evidence of previous pest infestation. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. 2015.1.6 Chair Poor condition. Finished has chipped off all over. Leather is dirty and cracked. Evidence of previous pest infestation. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession 2015.1.7 Chair Poor condition. Finished has chipped off all over. Leather is dirty and cracked. Evidence of previous pest infestation. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. X969.4.39 Chair, Rocking Poor condition. Hole in seat. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; the artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection. X969.5.53 Chair, Rocking Poor condition. Cane seat and back is completely gone. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; the artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection. ST2.446.1 Chair, Rocking Poor condition. Cane seat is completely gone. Paint is peeling and worn. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; the artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection. Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession ST2.411.1 Chair, Rocking Poor condition. Paint is peeling and worn. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; the artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection. X969.5.103 Chair, Rocking Poor condition. Cane seat and back are completely missing. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; the artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection. X970.1.735 Chair Poor condition. Paint has been stripped. Caning is missing from seat and back. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; the artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection. Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession ST2.443.2 Chair Poor condition. Spindle is missing. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; the artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection. ST2.460.1 Chair Back only. Rest of chair is missing. Poor condition. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; the artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection. 2015.1.1 Table Poor condition. Finished has chipped off in many areas. Many surface scratches and chips. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. No Number Table with leaflet Poor condition. Leaflet is broken off. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. There is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession X970.1.830AB Toilet Seat Poor condition. Wood has cracked further. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. ST2.278.1 Shade, Lighting Poor condition. Missing glass pieces The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. No number Unknown metal object Active Corrosion The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact X97?. Garden hoe Poor condition. Handle is broken off. Active corrosion. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; The artifact is significantly incomplete Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession X98.? Pulley Poor condition. Active corrosion. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact Old Number: F522 Quilting clamp Fair condition. Missing other three clamps. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; The artifact is significantly incomplete. No number Barn Lantern Fair condition. Active corrosion. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact No number Barn Lantern Fair condition. Active corrosion. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession X972.1.261 Seeder Poor condition. Active corrosion. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. X970.2.12 Washing Machine Poor condition. Mouse nest inside the drum. Active corrosion. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. X969.5.56 Ironing board Poor condition. Fabric is heavily stained. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. X970.2.4 Wringer, Clothes Rubber is cracked, wood finish is missing. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. ST2.476.1A Wringer, Clothes Rubber is cracked, wood finish is missing. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession ST2.476.1B Wringer Stand Wood dowels are broken. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. X969.1.128 Scale Poor condition. Active corrosion. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. No # two child sized chairs Good. There is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact. No # Laundry bench Wood dowels are broken. Finish is worn. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact No # Water pump and barrel Paint is cracked and peeling. Metal is corroded. Rubber hose is deteriorated. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact Recommended Artifacts for Deaccession Endorsed by Cultural Advisory Committee on February 18, 2025. X970.2.82 Washing Machine Poor condition. Tin interior is corroded. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option. Partial number - 97(3?). (71?) dimensions - L: 21.5cm. W-2cm Handle / leg Poor condition. Component only. The artifact is significantly incomplete (unidentifiable piece or fragment). X970.2.39 Drawer Poor condition. Missing all other components The artifact is significantly incomplete (unidentifiable piece or fragment). No number Windmill Poor condition. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; there is incomplete documentation and provenance for the artifact X970.1.827A SewingMachine Poor condition. Mouse nest inside. Damage to wood elements from pest infestation. The artifact is in such poor condition that preservation, conservation or restoration is not a viable option; the artifact is duplicated in the collection and having a duplicate is not of value to the collection. .