68, making an average of a trifle
less than $62 for each number in the catalogue. We ought to say here,
however, that an average is a dangerous guide in a matter of this kind,
owing to the enormous difference in the size and price of casts, as well
as in the distance from which they come. Obviously, too, the cost of
packing and importing a few casts would be proportionately much greater
than in a large order.
The casts once received, they must be put together, sometimes repaired
and finally set up. Pedestals must be built for the statues, wall-spaces
prepared for the reliefs. Therefore, a small force of skilled
plaster-workers and carpenters is necessary. In Norwich most of the
plaster-work was done by two men, a third being added occasionally, and
the aggregate of this item in the expenses was $1,626.75. With regard to
the carpentry, more work of this kind than would usually be necessary
was required by the fact that a number of changes had to be made in
order to adapt the hall to its use as a museum of art, its destination
not having been determined when the building itself was completed.
Consequently, some of the $4,690 paid for material and labor in this
department would form a part of the building expenses in a structure
designed especially for the purpose.
These were the principal expenses in the preparation of the Slater
Museum.
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