The role of collectors: from preservation and study of collectibles to their popularization through public display and the creation of museum institutions

Abstract

The article studies private collectors’ impact on public cultural institutions. The research discovers historical evidence and reasons for the emergence of the collecting activity. It looks through evolution of the private collecting, the role of collectors in the founding and growth of public museums, from ancient civilizations up to the present. By means of historical analysis identified the progress of collecting activities, compared and revealed both different and similar features with museology phenomena.Vivid examples of collecting were found in all significant periods of human history. The results show active role of collectors in shaping consciousness of humankind, its social and cultural values, as well as close relationship of collectors with museums.The article is also focused on modern forms of interaction of collectors and cultural institutions. As such, expansion of institutional collections witnessed prolific and diverse cooperation with private collectors: from the philanthropy, sponsorship and patronage of museums, exhibitions, art fairs, commissioning of artists, to the transfer of personal acquisitions in favor of museums; or launching of the own cultural institutions, which later gain worldwide recognition. The article provides a number of examples and facts, which reflect the diversity of cooperation on the basis of collectables. It admits the role of private collectors in founding and developing of both national and global cultural institutions, and on the popularization of art in general.