I haven't seen this mentioned here but we made noises (and still are) when
the bagpipe museum faced something similar.
The information on the petition page says:
"The V & A are intending to place in long-term storage its collection of
historic musical instruments, which is unparalleled in the UK. The reason
for this destruction, given by a V & A spokesman, is so that "the gallery
can be redesigned to show the fashion collections." Musical instruments have
been part of the collection since its inception in 1851: the museum has
received adverse comment on this plan from curators worldwide. The removal
is to take place in Spring 2010, and is a short-term decision which will
have long-term negative results for scholars and music lovers alike.".
Although not strictly pipes-based, I feel it's a further step to downgrading
our musical heritage and the importance of the tradition of music and
thought those on this list may wish to sign. Several other music lists I am
on have done so already so sorry if this is a repeat.
If anyone would like to sign the petition, it's at:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/VandAchange/
Colin Hill
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http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
