Contents

— Introduction
— Scope and significance of the collections
— Criteria and procedures for acquisition
— Criteria and procedures for disposal
— Roles and responsibilities

Introduction

This policy sets out the principles, standards and legislation that guide the acquisition and disposal of collections by the museum.

The museum’s mission is to inspire, educate and entertain the public through the display and interpretation of historical works of art that are in the public domain.

The museum’s collections reflect the artistic, cultural and social history of the world from ancient times to the present day, with a focus on European art from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

The museum’s collections are held in trust for the benefit of the public and are accessible to all.

Scope and significance of the collections

The museum’s collections consist of paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, textiles, ceramics, glass, metalwork, furniture and other decorative arts.

The museum’s collections are of national and international significance, representing the achievements and diversity of human creativity and expression.

The museum’s collections are in the public domain, meaning that they are not subject to any intellectual property rights or restrictions, and can be freely reproduced, used and shared by anyone for any purpose.

The museum’s collections are acquired and disposed of in accordance with the Museums Association’s Code of Ethics and the UK Government’s Guidance for the Care of Collections.

Criteria and procedures for acquisition

The museum acquires works of art that are in the public domain, that are relevant to its mission and collections, and that enhance its public value and reputation.

The museum acquires works of art by purchase, donation, bequest, transfer, exchange or loan, subject to the availability of funds, space and resources, and the approval of the museum’s governing body and director.

The museum acquires works of art that are of high quality, authenticity, provenance and condition, and that have clear and valid title and documentation.

The museum acquires works of art that do not duplicate or conflict with existing collections, unless there is a compelling reason to do so.

The museum acquires works of art that comply with the relevant laws and regulations regarding cultural property, import and export, and human rights.

Criteria and procedures for disposal

The museum disposes of works of art that are in the public domain, that are no longer relevant to its mission and collections, and that do not compromise its public value and reputation.

The museum disposes of works of art by sale, donation, transfer, exchange or loan, subject to the approval of the museum’s governing body and director, and the consultation of stakeholders and the public.

The museum disposes of works of art that are of low quality, authenticity, provenance or condition, or that have unclear or invalid title or documentation.

The museum disposes of works of art that duplicate or conflict with existing collections, or that are beyond the museum’s capacity to care for or use effectively.

The museum disposes of works of art that comply with the relevant laws and regulations regarding cultural property, import and export, and human rights.

Roles and responsibilities

The museum’s governing body is responsible for approving and reviewing this policy, and for ensuring its compliance with the Museums Association’s Code of Ethics and the UK Government’s Guidance for the Care of Collections.

The museum’s director is responsible for implementing and monitoring this policy, and for reporting to the governing body on the acquisition and disposal of collections.

The museum’s curatorial staff are responsible for researching, documenting, evaluating and recommending works of art for acquisition and disposal, and for maintaining the collections records and databases.

The museum’s conservation staff are responsible for assessing, preserving and restoring works of art for acquisition and disposal, and for providing the collections care and handling guidelines and training.

The museum’s education and outreach staff are responsible for developing and delivering the collections interpretation and engagement programmes and activities for the public.