Rare Resource

There is disappointment, naturally, that there has been a break in negotiations for UCLA to get Norton Simon’s extraordinary art collection. The plan had stirred excitement and fresh appreciation of this rare collection.

What really matters, however, is that the collection is still intact. Its preservation seems of paramount importance, no matter what destination Simon may finally choose.

Saying that, we cannot conceal our hope that the collection will remain where it is in Pasadena, accessible to an enormous population area yet appropriately standing independently. There, by itself, the unique balance and richness of the collection can be fully appreciated. It cannot be beyond the ability of Southern California to assist in any way that Simon may feel appropriate in ensuring continuation in perpetuity of his collection as the rare resource that it is.

Few collections in the world of art meet the standards of Simon’s. So it is no wonder that he is determined to decide its future personally, just as he personally chose so many of the masterpieces of the collection.