Objects of Knowledge

by Susan M. Pearce

Volume 1 in a series designed to act as a forum for the dissemination and discussion of new research currently being undertaken in the field of Museum Studies. The series aims to cover the whole museum field and to broadly address the history and operation of the museum as a cultural phenomenon. The papers published are of a high academic standard, and are also intended to relate directly to matters of immediate museum concern. The publication aims to fill a major gap in the present scope of museum-based literature. This volume is concerned with the ways in which meaning is created through museum objects, and the processes which this involves. The papers, however, adopt a wide diversity of stances, ranging widely across the field; some take a broadly theoretical line, and others examine specific areas like museum education and the relationship of museums to native peoples. The volume concludes with a Review Section, covering recent books, exhibitions and conferences.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1990

About the author

Susan M. Pearce is Professor Emeritus of Museum Studies at the University of Leicester. Her research interests have always concentrated on Material Culture, particularly human relationships with the artefact world and the nature and process of collecting. She studied history and archaeology at Oxford University and then worked on the curatorial staff at the National Museums on Merseyside and Exeter City Museum. She joined the Department in 1984 and was appointed Director in 1989, Professor of Museum Studies in 1992, Dean of the Arts Faculty in 1996 and Pro-vice chancellor in 2000. Susan M. Pearce was also President of the Museums Association 1992-1994.