Donating objects to the Food Museum
Without the generosity of people who are willing to donate objects to the museum, we wouldn’t be able to do things we do today.
If you have an object you think would fit in our collection that you’d like us to consider, find out more about the process below.
WILL THE MUSEUM WANT MY OBJECT?
Unfortunately, the museum is unable to take everything that is offered. We use strict guidelines to decide whether to accept an object or not. This is because looking after and displaying objects can be expensive, requiring a certain amount of care and attention. Limited space and budgets mean we must use strict criteria to decide what to accept.
When our Collections Team considers whether or not to accept an object they will ask the following questions:
- Does it fit with our collecting policy?
- Is the object in good condition and are there any potential conservation issues?
- Are the history, use and ownership of the object known?
- Does the museum already have a similar example?
The best advice is to contact us by email or letter, including as much detail as possible and a photo if you can. We will then consider the object and get back to you.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I DONATE AN OBJECT?
When you donate an object to the museum it involves transferring the legal ownership from you to the museum. The museum, which is a charity, holds the objects in ‘trust’ for the public. It is very difficult for a museum to return an object to a donor after the transfer of ownership has happened, so please think carefully before you donate!
IF YOUR OBJECT ENTERS THE PERMANENT COLLECTION
Your object will be accessioned and then kept safely. It may not be put on display straight away; however, it will be available for research, exhibition and loan to other museums.
IF YOUR OBJECT ENTERS THE HANDLING COLLECTION
This means that the object will be used during the museum’s work with groups such as school children and senior citizens, or for special events. The object will be enjoyed by lots of people; however, as you’d imagine it undergoes quite a lot of wear and tear, so we may eventually have to dispose of it.
If you have any questions about donating objects to the Food Museum please get in touch.
