“Forensic” Facsimiles
Priceless objects studied by scholars (Neanderthal skulls, Rosetta Stone) often can’t travel. So we make scientific-quality facsimiles for borrowing. These are “forensic” quality, identical in every detail.
The original is priceless. But even a copy done this way could cost tens of thousands — and be almost as rare. The process itself is worth watching.
A museum object has value because of provenance and appearance. But a “forensic” facsimile has two kinds of value. It indirectly carries the value of the original. But it also directly carries the value of the special copy process.
As exhibition planners, we can exploit this second value.
Here’s the thing:
We look down on facsimiles. But not “forensic” facsimiles.
Try this:
Use a method to make your display copy higher-fidelity than usual.
Invest more time and money than usual, even if only a little.
In the display label, communicate two things: this is a special facsimile, and how the copy process was unique.
Voilà.
Your “forensic” facsimile just might be more interesting than the original.
Warmly,
Jonathan
