"HOW ironic to know that the Culture Media and Sport Committee visited Exeter, (MPs told how to help Devon tourism sector, Echo, January 15), and will be speaking to a 'sell out audience' at RAMM (Echo, January 8). Ironic because severe cuts are being made to the museum's budget, so much so that the curatorial team, instrumental in winning the Museum of the Year award in 2012, is to be reduced. One excellent and highly experienced curator is to leave in the near future, and those remaining will be obliged to stand against one another for a reduced number of posts.
A more 'general' form of management of collections is the plan, but how will this work when the success of our museum, so loved by the people of Exeter, has been built on the expertise and dedication of these same curators?
Do people understand the difference between having an expert at the helm, who knows their subject in detail, and a 'general' curator, who will doubtless be well meaning, but can only refer to a database to manage the collection, or mount exhibitions of the standard to which we have been fortunate enough to enjoy since the re-opening of RAMM?
In these difficult times we must understand that financial reductions may need to be made, but it seems that, in this case, the 'cut' is going to the very heart of our museum. How sad to damage one of the jewels in Exeter's crown, one that gives such pleasure to both the people of Exeter and to the many visitors who come from far afield to visit it.
Perhaps there is no way to avoid this situation, but at least people should know what they are about to lose."Linda Martinez
Exeter
