Forensic Facsimiles

Priceless objects studied by scholars — Neanderthal skulls, Rosetta Stone, Taylor Swift’s engagement ring — often can’t travel. So universities and museums make scientific-grade 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. And the copy process itself can be worth recording.

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 directly carries the value of the special copy process.

As exhibition creators, we can exploit this second type of value.

Here’s the thing:
Some 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 even more interesting than the original.

Warmly,
Jonathan

- - - - - - - - - - - -

MtM Word of the Day:

Bleed. The area extending beyond the edge of a printed page or graphic layout. It ensures images or backgrounds reach the paper’s edge after trimming, preventing unwanted white borders in exhibition graphics and printed materials.