Deaccessioning and Its Discontents: A Critical History

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Exploring the often contentious topic of deaccessioning, the book presents a comprehensive history from the seventeenth to the twenty-first century, arguing for its necessity in museum practice. Martin Gammon critiques the polarized views surrounding deaccession—both the extreme opposition and the justifications made by museums—highlighting a misunderstanding of its role. By detailing various deaccession events in Britain and the U.S., he provides insights into their impacts and proposes guiding principles for future practices.