The word "deaccession" is spelled as /diːəkˈsɛʒən/, with the stress on the second syllable. This word is commonly used in the art world and refers to the process of removing an artwork or object from a museum's collection. It is important to note that the spelling of "deaccession" contains a double "s" rather than a "c", which can be a common mistake. This word has gained attention recently as museums face ethical and financial issues surrounding the deaccessioning of artworks.
Deaccession is a term used primarily in the field of museology and art collecting, referring to the process of removing an item or artwork from a museum or collection. It involves the permanent disposal or sale of an object that was previously part of a museum's holdings.
The process of deaccession typically goes through several steps. First, a thorough examination of the item's historical and cultural significance is conducted, along with a consideration of its relevance to the museum's collection and future exhibitions. If it is decided that the object no longer aligns with the museum's collecting policies or objectives, the deaccession process is initiated.
Deaccessioning can occur for a variety of reasons. This may include, among others, duplicates or replicas, low-quality or deteriorating pieces, artworks or artifacts that are no longer considered relevant or significant, or when a museum undergoes a change in focus or direction.
Once a decision to deaccession an object is made, the museum or collection must follow a set of ethical guidelines and regulations established by professional organizations and governing bodies. These guidelines ensure that the process is transparent, fair, and in accordance with legal requirements.
After deaccessioning, museums may choose to subsequently sell the item at auction, transfer it to another museum, donate it to a different institution, return it to its original owner, or otherwise remove it from their holdings entirely.
The practice of deaccessioning is a delicate matter, as it involves balancing the needs and goals of the institution with cultural, historical, and ethical considerations.
The word "deaccession" has its etymology rooted in the combination of the prefix "de-" meaning "to remove" or "undo", and the word "accession" which refers to the act of acquiring, obtaining, or adding to a collection or inventory. "Accession" itself originated from the Latin word "accessio", which means "a coming to" or "an increase".
Therefore, when the prefix "de-" is added to "accession", it forms "deaccession", which signifies the action of removing or eliminating items from a collection, usually referring to the removal of objects or artworks from a museum, gallery, or other similar institutions.