[TheForge] Museum Shop Work

[Peter Hirst]

Ok I have preparations for my first show more or less under control, and this group was very helpful in that. Thanks again.

 I'm sending out the SOS again.  I happened to visit a historic reproduction/reenactment venue yesterday for a little research.  The smith was not in (and wouldn't you know, the only building in the whole complex that was closed was guess what.)  Anyway, I was hanging out talking to the potters and the museum gift shop manager,   and it turns out that the smith, unlike the potters. woodworkers, etc, is so busy he has no time to make things to sell at the museum store.  It is full of beautiful repro pottery, furniture, basketry,etc, but the ONLY piece of iron in the store that did not come from China or India (several stores actually) is a plain round stock drive hook, and that was made off-site, and no longer available.  One point, two bends. No taper, twist or scroll.  Maybe two heats.  $5.25 retail.  The artifacts in the museum exhibits are all right in my wheelhouse:  fireplace and cooking equipment, gardening/farming tools, household hardware, some non-ferrous, exactly the stuff I am most comfortable with.

SO here we have a well-known, highly respected museum with an early colonial forge,(and I mean EARLY) with no ironwork to sell along side its high quality wood an pottery.  Yes I left cards and yes they are interested.   I expect a call.

Anyone have any experience and/or sage advice in dealing with this type of market?

Keziah