I’m looking forward to MA11 = Museums Aotearoa Conference in Nelson tomorrow.  The programme looks stimulating despite being spread over a few venues, and the fact that Speakers have presented in other cities has upped the momentum; generated anticipation.  I even heard a snippet about a presentation to the Nelson Provincial Museum of the personal journal of the Lord Auckland’s surgeon happening during the Conference – brilliant!  For me I will experience the usual personal conflict of being genuinely interested in the goings on inside the museums who endeavour to preserve our culture for future generations versus the opportunity to tell people what NZMS does – being a sales person if you will.  My usual philosophy is to enjoy the conference for all it offers – to the max – and hope I can enhance the experience of those around me accordingly.

I’ve experienced 3D photography recently, and wonder if there is interest in the field from within the museum sector?  At the demonstration I could see the camera’s are brilliant, albeit expensive, and to offer such a service would require some significant projects.  But the idea of a collective or collaborative approach would seem appropriate to justify the investment.  Is there an alternative?  Well visiting the museum and hoping to see the object on display of course.  Another option I have used is a “lazy susan” to conduct 360degree photography in the past (after 6 or more angles you can create a nice animated gif image) but this 3D camera generates stunning images of objects and would be a great tool for museum object photography.

I met a friend recently who had heard we scanned (heritage) photos, a classic kiwi understatement!  He’d been carrying the only three pictures he had of his father at each ANZAC Day parade in Tawa over the years and they were looking a bit beaten up.  I left them with our Digitisation Team with rudimentary instructions about a scan & print and went off to Perth last month.  Pat popped in last week and was thrilled with the results.  Our Digi Team had taken it upon themselves to “digitally repair” the tears, creases and missing corners of the photos to give him a “new” look, as well as the fully-provenanced master scan of course (unadulterated).  Happy customer, great initiative – box of chocolates as a thank you!

Have a great easter, and do something special on ANZAC Day - Lest we Forget!

kind regards,

Andy