Many Saudi antique collectors spend time, energy and money acquiring precious pieces of their country’s history, especially those documenting Saudi traditions and heritage. Over the years, some have developed a strong love for the hobby and turned their homes into private museums. Among these are experts who have become authorities in their areas of interest. Yet these people face a number of problems that hinder their business and they need help in overcoming the problems.
One major problem is that many of them know little about the art of displaying, maintaining, repairing and preserving the pieces they have. Because of a lack of space, some use ordinary rooms in the house as museums to keep the items. This causes inconvenience to those who live in the rooms and threatens the valuable pieces with possible damage. Another major problem is that the work by the collectors is not appreciated by the public, many of whom see it all as a waste of time. Some even mock and ridicule the collectors who are often asked silly questions that reflect a distaste and dissatisfaction with what they are doing. Despite the hostility, collectors are not disheartened by the criticism and ridicule heaped on them by those who do not appreciate the historical importance of the work or the fact that collectors willingly spend their own money to buy valuable pieces of history.
The authorities, too, should pay special attention to this work and encourage something that continues to flourish despite the difficulties encountered by collectors.
The first step in this direction would be for this hobby to be organized into a recognized profession, receiving full support and backing from the state as well as the public. There should be a system in which all collectors and those involved in the work are brought under one entity which provides them full protection and enables them to operate freely without obstacles.
The state should provide the necessary material and moral support to these individuals and work to educate and spread awareness among both collectors and the public of the importance of this work. In the absence of a map detailing the location and contents of these private museums, we need to conduct a comprehensive survey to document these places wherever they are in the Kingdom.
Regular conferences should be organized to enable collectors and others to exchange views and plan for the future. Such gatherings should be accompanied by regular exhibitions and auctions. These private museums contribute to government efforts to document and preserve the Kingdom’s history. They deserve our attention and backing.
