Behind-the-scenes

As mentioned in the previous post when our clients license images for use in a book or other type of publication we ask that they send us a copy which is then transferred to the ROM Library and Archive.  As I’m sure our Shipping staff are well aware quite a few book packages arrive for Rights and Reproductions.  I just received a copy of Contours of a People: Metis Family, Mobility and History, published by the University of Oklahoma Press.  I’m willing to judge this book by its cover because

The final stages of preparing Doni, the Komodo Dragon for display

This instalment of my behind-the-scenes tour of what shapes a museum display began as an example of how museum collections are formed, but it may develop into a detective story as you’ll see…..

Ever wondered what goes in to the display you see in a museum gallery? I’m exploring some behind-the-scenes issues that shape what you see.

Viewer discretion advised. Images depict a Komodo Dragon being dissected as it is prepared for the ROM's collections. Some images may be shocking.

A behind-the-scenes look at the publication of ROM images and a custom photo shoot of El Anatsui’s artwork.

It’s one of the most interesting jobs at the ROM – the museum artist. Working in a studio soaked in natural light, Georgia Guenther creates replicas of objects in the collection and other artistic displays you may see inside the galleries. She works closely with curators to ensure her creations are both scientifically accurate and realistic.

We stopped by the studio to ask Georgia a few questions about her role at the ROM.