Monday, July 14, 2014

OBJECT ID

INFORMATION ON HOW TO CATALOGOUE YOUR COLLECTION.

The illicit trade in cultural objects is now widely recognized as one of the most prevalent categories of international crime. Documentation is crucial for the protection of art and antiques, for police officers can rarely recover and return objects that have not been photographed and adequately described. 
Object ID is an international standard for describing cultural objects. It is the result of years of research in collaboration with the museum community, international police and customs agencies, the art trade, insurance industry and valuers of art and antiques. 
Object ID project was initiated by the J. Paul Getty Trust in 1993 and the standard was launched in 1997. It is being promoted by major law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Scotland Yard and Interpol, UNESCO, museums, cultural heritage organisations, art trade and art appraisal organisations and insurance companies, such as AXA ART Insurance. 
The contents of the standard were identified by a combination of background research, interviews, and, most importantly, by major international surveys. In total, over 1,000 responses were received from organisations in 84 countries. 

TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS

Photographs are of vital importance in identifying and recovering stolen objects. In addition to overall views, take close-ups of inscriptions, markings and any damage or repairs. If possible, include a scale or object of known size in the image.

OBJECT ID – CHECKLIST

Type of Object 
What kind of object is it (e.g. painting, sculpture, clock, mask)?
Materials & Techniques
What materials is the object made of (e.g. brass, wood, oil on canvas)? How was it made (e.g. carved, cast, etched)?
Measurements
What is the size and/or weight of the object? Specify which unit of measurement is being used (e.g. cm., in.) and to which dimension the measurement refers (e.g. height, width, depth).
Inscriptions & Markings
Are there any identifying markings, numbers, or inscriptions on the object (e.g. a signature, dedication, title, maker’s marks, purity marks, property marks)?
Distinguishing Features
Are there any identifying markings, numbers, or inscriptions on the object (e.g. a signature, dedication, title, maker’s marks, purity marks, property marks)?
Title 
Does the object have a title by which it is known and might be identified?
Subject 
What is pictured or represented (e.g. landscape, battle, woman holding child)? 
Date or Period 
When was the object made (e.g. 1893, early 17th century, Late Bronze Age)? 
Maker 
Do you know who made the object? This may be the name of a known individual (e.g. Thomas Tompion), a company (e.g. Tiffany), or a cultural group (e.g. Hopi).

WRITE A SHORT DESCRIPTION

This can also include any additional information which helps to identify the object (e.g. colour and shape of the object, where it was made).

KEEP IT SECURE

Having documented the object, keep this information in a secure place.



http://www.axa-art.co.uk/artprotect/advice-section/object-id.html