The Art and Science of Replication: Copies and Copying in the Multi-Disciplinary Museum

Abstract

First paragraph: It is ironic that although the credibility of collections is often bound up in the authenticity of artefacts and specimens, museums nonetheless hold many imitations and models. From exquisite glass flowers to miniature ships, copies have held key places in museums since their inception and serve many functions. These fascinating objects have attracted considerable scholarly attention, and yet too often this is focused on a particular phenomenon or material. Here we want to cut across disciplinary boundaries to juxtapose a selection of models to understand the differential value of copies in museums and the work they do.