Fakes & Forgeries presents 115 authentic items next to counterfeit products that run the gamut from historical specimens and cultural artifacts, to household items and designer name brands.
“Fakes and forgeries are everywhere in our world, but this is nothing new,” said Wendy Aitkens, Curator at the Galt.
“ Counterfeit money has been around since the use of currency began some 2,500 years ago. Forged art, archaeological specimens, fossils and other collectibles have been sold on the black market for generations. Many reproductions were made hundreds of years ago as legitimate souvenirs or modest replicas for the local market. As they resurface today they are often sold as the real goods. More recently, pirated software, music, movies and knocks offs of more expensive clothing, accessories, automotive parts and technical equipment have been sold to and used by many of us.”
Visitors of all ages will learn how to tell authentic pieces from sly forgeries and discover the fascinating lengths forgers will take to hoodwink the unwary. The exhibit provides information to help visitors identify and avoid misrepresentative
articles, including pirated computer software and counterfeit currency.
Programs reflecting the theme will be offered throughout the run of the exhibit, including weekly family activities during Saturdays at 1 p.m., presentations on the first and third Wednesday monthly as part of Wednesdays at the Galt for senior, The Curator Presents... in January and a special guest speaker for Café Galt in February.
Fakes & Forgeries is a travelling exhibit produced by the Royal Ontario Museum, and made possible in part by a grant from the Museums Assistance Program, Department of Canadian Heritage.
— Submitted to L.A. Beat
