Words for Objects
Some words confuse as much as they help. (Yeah, I’m looking at you, program. developer. and immersive.)
Words for display objects aren’t much better. Here’s a cheat sheet.
Artifact
A genuine preserved collection object, with provenance (documented chain of ownership) on display.
Facsimile (also called Replica, Reproduction, or Repro)
A copy of an artifact, whether cheaply or expensively copied. Replicates both optical and material properties. (Example: display copy of Declaration of Independence on aged paper.)
“Forensic” Facsimile
My favorite. A replica of the highest fidelity. Suitable for study. The process is itself worthy of interpretation. (Rosetta Stone research clone.)
Prop (sometimes also called — ahem — Replica, Reproduction, or Repro)
A real object, but not from a collection. A replica or purchase, usually without provenance. (“Pile of luggage” cliché.)
Twin, or “Like Edition”
Item of the same vintage as what you’d rather have. So close it’s worthy, especially if the original disappeared. (Same model Amelia Earhardt flew, but not her plane.)
Reprographic (ALSO called Replica, Reproduction, or Repro)
Optical copy of an image from the collection or elsewhere. No attempt made to copy the material properties. (Scan of a daguerrotype printed as a wall mural.)
Here’s the thing:
The words for the things we often put at the heart of our exhibitions are some of the most confusing. Weird, right?
(And the next time somebody says replica, reproduction or repro, you should ask them exactly what they mean.)
Warmly,
Jonathan
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MtM Word of the Day:
All of the above. :)
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Going to the sold-out MAAM Building Museums this week?
I’ll be in St. Louis starting today and I’ll be part of the first keynote tomorrow morning. If you’ll be there, drop me a line, I’d love to meet up IRL.
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Final Deadline!
Have you worked on a great exhibition or experience design project recently? The SEGD Global Design Awards final deadline is next week, on March 15. “Since 1987, the SEGD Global Design Awards have set the standard of excellence for experiential design, honoring work that connects people to place.” (And I’m not just saying that because I’m the Jury Chair this year.)
(Yeah, there sure are a lot of footers in MtM emails these days. Don’t worry, it won’t last forever.)
