If you went to an art gallery or museum to look at some expensive pieces of art would it matter to you if you were looking at the original or at an identical replica? When money is so tight is it correct of us to be hanging millions upon millions of pounds up on walls just to look at? Sell 2 or 3 of our nations most expensive paintings and you've just built an hospital to save lives. People wishing to see art could still travel to see an identical copy of it in the museum. Also if I wish to go to Barnsley shopping I have to pay (for parking). If I wish to go to a zoo I have to pay. If I wish to watch the national team play football I have to pay. To watch national athletes compete, I have to pay. To look at millions of pounds worth of art? Free of charge. Why are some people given their enjoyment for free while others have to pay? This was a discussion on Radio Sheffield a while ago and was the views put forward by Toby Foster. Was he right? Or was he wrong? The thread by Mr C reminded me it.
For me, to know you are looking at the original work painted by Da Vinci, Constable or George Stubbs sends a shiver down my spine. Just like seeing Frankel winning in the flesh at York on Wednesday (as opposed to on TV) was something few have had the privilege of seeing in over 300 years of throroughbred racing. Modest charge - which scoops up revenue from overseas visitors too - I say.
Any artwork Or artefact in museums or galleries have been purchased by the nation for the nation. Therefore, they belong to each and every one of us. Irrespective of their cost, value or rarity, they are part of the nation's heritage. That's ALL the nation, not a select and privileged few. We should all have the right & opportunity to view them. To sell off the family silver, as it were, reeks of the stench of Thatcherism. The wealthy few reap the benefits at the expense of the nation. If someone doesn't want to view these pieces, fair enough. It's their choice. But that choice should not be removed from everyone else. Once a charge is levied, then all that happens is the charges increase and the Government in power has the opportunity to shirk it's responsibilities in maintaining, investing and expanding the nation's culture and heritage. Eventually, the option of visiting these galleries, museums and the like is removed from the people. The same people for whom these establishments were built, run & used for entertainment, education and enjoyment. In my opinion, this should not be allowed to happen, especially now when money is so tight.
Re: Any artwork Fair point, JLWBL, in a Trotskyist sort of way! But it's not really for the privilege of seeing the works, is it? It's about the surrounding infrastructure (security, adamissions, lighting, heating, etc,etc,etc.). To keep it all on a Freebie basis means that other nationals have the benefit - yet we mostly have to pay to see their cultural icons? Nice idea to have universal access, but is it affordable in the present financial climate?
Re: Any artwork I've never seen a original or fake!! But some people try to be billy big ******** because they work in some art gallery. But that's my opinion, I'm sure some people will disagree!!!!
I am not interested in art in the slightest so it makes no odds to me but I do think the world would be a poorer place without it and for people who are interested I would imagine seeing the original is very important. You wouldn't have any enthusiasm to see a spineless, imitation of a BFC team would you? Sorry poor analogy. Parking in Barnsley is free by the way, behind the Courthouse.
If you start charging It entices fewer people through the doors. As the number of visitors drops, so the charges will be increased. You're then in a vicious circle. The people with money visit, those with less don't. Despite the fact that the exhibits belong to all. The responsibility for meeting the cost of running & maintaining these establishments rests firmly with central Government, no one else. As for affordability, we managed to find the monies to fight in Libya last year when we were supposedly skint. It's amazing what we can afford if the will is there.
Re: Any artwork Andy Booth drinks in my local at Holmfirth but I don't sperm over his chest. I don't see the point of pumping up some half decent footballer. I can Tarmac but I don't post pictures of my work on here.
Re: If you start charging Can't argue with any of that, JLWBL. But I think you'll struggle to get Camclegg (or even Grommit?) to see it that way?
We have been parking for free behind the Courthouse for the last 5 years, maybe more, for nowt. They have bags over the pay machines.
Really? I've parked in there (during a weekday) around 5 times in the last year and had to pay every time. Have I been conned?