Preamble
Many properties possess important historic and artistic treasures of national and international importance. Often collected over many centuries, these collections enhance the attractiveness, character and aesthetic appeal of the houses which protect them. Regrettably, these collections are too easily dispersed, resulting in a visible and intangible loss to the building and its history.
While recognising the right of owners to sell their possessions and noting that collections are made and remade, the Society will endeavour to protect, promote and preserve collections or objects that it believes enhances the cultural, historical or architectural value of the building or structure in which its exists.
Policy
The Society shall:
1.
2.
Judge the merits of each collection or object on a case-by-case basis (see appendix one).
Where a collection would be deemed important for the Society to take action, the following should be considered:
3.
(a) an approach to the state or government agency; other organisation or donor to purchase the collection and re-lend it to the house for permanent display;
(b) a fundraising appeal to purchase the collection or part thereof.
(c) legal action to prevent the sale, if the law allowed.
Approach the government in order to:
(a) provide a tax incentive(s) to owners of collections-at-risk who would undertake to keep the collection intact and make accessible to the public,
4.
(b) renew the ‘Heritage Fund Act’, 2001, for the purchase of collections or objects of significant importance,
(c) to introduce or reform legislation that would prevent the sale of items or collections of national or international value.
Encourage an appreciation of the importance of collections and objects among owners, through scholarship and seminars.
Advocate best practice for the conservation and protection of objects and collections. 5.
The following shall be considered when judging the merits and importance of a collection or object.
1.
Items or collections that are outstanding of their type or would significantly detract or impair from the aesthetic, historical or cultural appeal were they to be removed.
2.
Items which were Irish made, either produced in Ireland by either Irish craftsmen/artists or by visiting foreigners.
3.
Items which were made specifically for a building or structure.
4.
Items which are integral to the architectural design of a house or structure.

5.
Items for whose display the decoration of a house was planned, for example, plaster work frames designed for display of particular pictures or carpets woven with a design that reflects the ceiling decoration above them.
6.
Items that are integral to the history of the house or structure.