The people looking to move the famous Barnes Foundation artwork from its home on the Main Line to the Parkway in Center City Philadelphia are no doubt celebrating this morning.
A judge yesterday once again rejected arguments against the move.
Work continues on the new site that will become the exhibit’s new home next May.
I can’t really quibble with the ruling by Montgomery County Orphans Court Judge Stanley Ott. I am sure he is on solid legal grounds.
And I know all about the arguments boosted by those in favor of the move. I agree, a lot more people will be able to see the artwork in its new home.
There’s only one problem with all of this. It is now what Albert Barnes wanted.
Call him eccentric if you like, but Barnes had very specific ideas of how he wanted what is generally regarded as one of the world’s great art treasures displayed.
That’s why he set up what appeared to be an ironclad will mandating that the works never be moved. He even had specific language about the way the pieces were arranged inside the Barnes Museum.
None of that seems to matter now. His will has been trampled. His stated desire subverted.
You might say it’s all for the better.
The whole idea scares me.
Personal rights? Sure we all have them. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be taken away in court.
And that should scare all of us.
A judge yesterday once again rejected arguments against the move.
Work continues on the new site that will become the exhibit’s new home next May.
I can’t really quibble with the ruling by Montgomery County Orphans Court Judge Stanley Ott. I am sure he is on solid legal grounds.
And I know all about the arguments boosted by those in favor of the move. I agree, a lot more people will be able to see the artwork in its new home.
There’s only one problem with all of this. It is now what Albert Barnes wanted.
Call him eccentric if you like, but Barnes had very specific ideas of how he wanted what is generally regarded as one of the world’s great art treasures displayed.
That’s why he set up what appeared to be an ironclad will mandating that the works never be moved. He even had specific language about the way the pieces were arranged inside the Barnes Museum.
None of that seems to matter now. His will has been trampled. His stated desire subverted.
You might say it’s all for the better.
The whole idea scares me.
Personal rights? Sure we all have them. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be taken away in court.
And that should scare all of us.
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