Hi Jeri,

 

This is a question we revisit each time we enter into TMS a work that
has multiple parts.  As a rule, we enter pieces as components if they're
part of a work/installation and will never be shown separately.
Likewise, we enter in equipment as components of an installation only if
it's specific to that piece (i.e. not a DVD player that is a part of our
general AV inventory).  It's great because you don't have to make a lot
of object records, but you can record a component's location and can
split them out for various checklists, crate or shipping lists if
necessary.  We use group objects and number pieces A, B, C, etc. when
one of the parts could potentially be displayed on its own.  

 

That being said, and I guess this doesn't stick to our rule, we recently
accessioned a large installation comprising 100 drawings and I numbered
them with A, B, C. etc.  Even though it's one installation and the
individual drawings won't ever be shown separately, this way we were
able to attach images to each object record rather than attaching 100
images to just one record.  

 

I hope this helps!

 

Thanks,

Julie 

Julie Dickover 
Associate Registrar 
Hammer Museum 
10899 Wilshire Boulevard 
Los Angeles, CA 90024 
t 310-443-7082 / f 310-443-7079 

________________________________

From: The Museum System (TMS) Users [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Jeri Moxley
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 1:17 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Component vs. Group Object

 

 

Dear TMS List, 

Please discuss the pros and cons of components vs. group objects for
multi-part artworks (e.g., an installation piece that is comprised of 6
artworks).

Jeri 

 

Jeri L. Moxley 
Manager of Collection and Exhibition Information 
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum 
o: (212) 423-3509 
c: (646) 912-3365 
[log in to unmask]