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This article first appeared in Conservation News 72. Presentation of the Geffrye MuseumPrior to this year's Section AGM, David Dewing, the director of the Geffrye Museum, which "is the only museum in the UK to specialise in the furniture and domestic interiors of the urban middle classes", delivered a splendid talk and slide show covering the origins, formation, maintenance and future of the collection in his charge. The majority of this lively session consisted of an account of the conception and construction of the new facilities, the Twentieth Century Galleries. David alluded to the many difficulties and delights that arose from the desire to be progressive in terms of architecture. The need for a strong set of underlying requirements and the determination to stay true to them was also a key point.As is often the case, the hardest part of a process is its material realisation. This was apparent from the Geffrye's need to seek the appointment of executive architects, whilst staying true to the innovative initial design. The need for tact and faith in the design's suitability during the long process of building was made abundantly clear. The inevitable last minute rush and teething problems with environmental monitoring and control systems was mentioned, and thankfully overcome. Following David's presentation a short question and answer session was held. David also very kindly provided objects from the collection for us to examine and comment upon.
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