“Forensic” Facsimiles

As mentioned yesterday —

Priceless objects studied by scholars (Neanderthal skulls, the Rosetta Stone) often can’t travel. So we make scientific-quality facsimiles for borrowing. These are “forensic” quality, essentially identical in every detail, worthy of study.

The original is priceless. But even a copy done this way could cost thousands or more — and be just as rare. The copy process itself can be 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 creators, we can exploit this second value.

Here’s the thing:
We look down on facsimiles. But not “forensic” facsimiles, if we play our cards right.

Try this:

1. Use a method to make your display copy higher-fidelity than usual.
2. Invest more time and money than usual, even if only a little.
3. In the display label, communicate two things: this is a special facsimile, and how the copy process was unique.

Your “forensic” facsimile just might be more interesting than the original.

Warmly,
Jonathan

P.S. Next week, by popular demand: Interactives 101.