Page:The museum, (Jackson, Marget Talbot, 1917).djvu/121

Rh inferior merit for this purpose, but they are never as satisfactory as modern copies because they are more fragile and are not plainly intended for the public. A copy of a chair of ancient design is more appropriate in galleries containing old things than a modern oak chair. In the modern galleries modern chairs can be used. They should not be too heavy nor too comfortable. There is a type of expensive wicker chair which makes a good-looking gallery chair. Benches without backs are less conspicuous than those with backs, and if simply designed are very pleasant additions to the gallery. The museum that is short of funds should be content with ordinary bentwood chairs with cane seats. They may be finished inconspicuously to simulate "fumed oak" and are light, durable, cheap, and portable.

For a top-lighted gallery, most of the museums which are provided with radiators in the middle of the room have resorted to a system of masking the radiator by a circular bench. This makes a heavy and cumbersome object in the centre of the room which greatly detracts from the continuity of the impression one gains when entering the gallery.

There should be, in each room, or in every other room at least, a chair provided for the custodian in order that he may not be obliged to be on his