Art on the move

Christopher KNIGHT hit the target in his commentary on the Barnes Foundation’s likely relocation from suburban Merion, Pa., to the Philadelphia beltway [“Bad Move for the Barnes,” Dec. 17]. The courts have cleared the way for city and corporate philanthropies to destroy a national cultural heritage.

What is that heritage? It’s a collection of incomparable paintings and art objects displayed with a particular aesthetic purpose, in a particular building designed to house them, and set in gardens designed to complement the architecture and the artwork inside. It’s an aesthetic and historical package deal.

Katheryn Venturelli

San Marino

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It is obvious that Christopher Knight has never visited the Barnes’ museum as just plain Chris or with a group. Several years ago, a group of mature (read over age 50) Fullerton College students with paid reservations tried to access the art at the Barnes. We were subjected to a staff so rude and hostile you would have thought we were trying to pull a heist. In other words, we were turned away. I support the move of the collection to Philadelphia, where it can be seen by the masses and can be managed by professionals.

Leslie M. Richardson

Fullerton