The Salisbury Museum
Collections Development
Policy 2014
Governing body:
The Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Trust
Date on which this policy was approved by governing body:
13 November 2014
Policy review procedure:
The collections development policy will be published and reviewed from time to time,
at least once every five years.
Date at which this policy is due for review: October 2019
Arts Council England will be notified of any changes to the collections development
policy, and the implications of any such changes for the future of the collections.
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Introduction
Archaeology is the core of the museum collection, starting with the ‘drainage
collection’ of medieval artefacts purchased in 1860. The wealth of nationally
important archaeological sites in south Wiltshire, combined with vigorous excavation
campaigns has meant there has never been a shortage of archaeological material
coming into the museum. This process continues today with major housing
developments generating significant archaeological archives and university research
initiatives such as the Stonehenge Riverside Project. Meanwhile metal detecting
combined with the Treasure Act and the Portable Antiquities Scheme has helped us
to acquire some of the finest items in our collection - many of which have been
displayed for the first time in our new Wessex Gallery dedicated to the archaeology
of south Wiltshire.
Collecting archaeology is passive – the museum has no control over the
archaeological process and the discoveries made by detectorists, professional units
or universities. The upsurge in developer funded archaeology has led to a storage
crisis in Wiltshire where there is no longer any space to accept archives. The stores
of the Wiltshire Museum and The Salisbury Museum are both full to capacity. A
major priority for both museums over the next few years will be to secure new
storage facilities to ensure that important archaeological material is not lost.
The passive process of collecting archaeology has been followed in other subject
areas where the museum has responded to what is offered rather than seeking to
plug particular gaps. The museum has strong collections of social history, costume,
art and ceramics – but in each of these areas there has been no strategic or
systematic programme to collect new items. This is partly a reflection of staff
interests – we lack specialisms in these areas – however this policy will need to
change. Now the Wessex Gallery project is completed attention will need to focus on
redeveloping our social history galleries – dealing with the formation of medieval and
modern Salisbury from 1220 to the present day. Unlike archaeology our social
history collections are not comprehensive, and do not reflect the history of the
modern city. The new Salisbury Gallery will need to reflect the interests of visiting
tourists and the people who make up the local community today.
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1.
Background
1.1
The objects of the museum (as stated in our Memorandum of Association)
are:
1.2
(a)
The provision and maintenance of a museum in or near the City of
Salisbury for the benefit of the public providing exhibits of historical,
scientific, and artistic significance and interest.
(b)
The provision in connection with the museum of a library, lectures and
other facilities for education relating to the Arts and Sciences.
(c)
The promotion in connection with the museum of research relating to
the Arts and Sciences and the publication of the useful results of such
researches.
Our mission statement is:
At The Salisbury Museum we engage and inspire local, national and global
audiences by telling the story of a unique landscape which has been the
cradle of unparalleled human achievement for over half a million years.
We use our expertise, creativity and passion, and the extraordinary breadth of
our collections, to present world-class displays, exhibitions and events. Our
work gives context to the archaeological, historic and artistic riches of
Salisbury and south Wiltshire.
Together, we create inspiring experiences, which enable our audiences to
appreciate what is so special and significant about this landscape, and the
people who have shaped it. In this way, The Salisbury Museum acts as a
catalyst to understanding English history on many different levels.
1.3
The governing body will ensure that both acquisition and disposal are carried
out openly and with transparency.
1.4
By definition, the museum has a long-term purpose and holds collections in
trust for the benefit of the public in relation to its stated objectives. The
governing body therefore accepts the principle that sound curatorial reasons
must be established before consideration is given to any acquisition to the
collection, or the disposal of any items in the museum’s collection.
1.5
Acquisitions outside the current stated policy will only be made in exceptional
circumstances.
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1.6
The museum recognises its responsibility, when acquiring additions to its
collections, to ensure that care of collections, documentation arrangements
and use of collections will meet the requirements of the Museum Accreditation
Standard. This includes using SPECTRUM primary procedures for collections
management. It will take into account limitations on collecting imposed by
such factors as staffing, storage and care of collection arrangements.
1.7
The museum will undertake due diligence and make every effort not to
acquire, whether by purchase, gift, bequest or exchange, any object or
specimen unless the governing body or responsible officer is satisfied that the
museum can acquire a valid title to the item in question.
1.8
In exceptional cases, disposal may be motivated principally by financial
reasons. The method of disposal will therefore be by sale and the procedures
outlined below will be followed. In cases where disposal is motivated by
financial reasons, the governing body will not undertake disposal unless it can
be demonstrated that all the following exceptional circumstances are met in
full:
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1.9
the disposal will significantly improve the long-term public benefit derived
from the remaining collection
the disposal will not be undertaken to generate short-term revenue (for
example to meet a budget deficit)
the disposal will be undertaken as a last resort after other sources of
funding have been thoroughly explored
extensive prior consultation with sector bodies has been undertaken
the item under consideration lies outside the museum’s established core
collection
The museum collections belong to the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum,
an unincorporated charity. It is controlled by the Salisbury and South Wiltshire
Museum Trust, a company limited by guarantee (no. 1826436). The company
is also a registered charity (no 289850), but it has no assets.
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2.
History of the collections
The museum was founded in 1860 and was based upon the largely medieval
collection found during the refurbishment of the drainage system in Salisbury
in the 1850s. In 1878 it merged with the Blackmore Museum, the name of
which was incorporated within the title of the museum until 1968. The foreign
collections in the Blackmore Museum were largely dispersed to other
museums in the 1930s and 1960s.
Material relevant to the human and natural history of Salisbury and south
Wiltshire has been collected, with an emphasis on its human history. The
archaeological collections are of special significance and received Designated
status in 1998 in recognition of their national significance. Salisbury historical
material, local prints, drawings and paintings, costume, English ceramics,
some glass, numismatics, geology and some biological material have been
collected. In 1975 the Pitt-Rivers Wessex collection was acquired.
The museum moved in 1981 from its St Ann Street premises (which had been
its home since 1864) to the King's House in the Cathedral Close, Salisbury.
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3.
An overview of current collections
3.1
Archaeology (up to 1600)
The museum’s archaeology collection is one of the most significant in the UK
outside a national museum. Our collections are central to understanding the
story of the region. Highlights of the collections include:

The Stonehenge World Heritage Site archive, including Neolithic and
Bronze Age finds from every 20th century excavation at Stonehenge
and excavations at the important henge monument at Durrington Walls.

The Amesbury Archer, the most important Late Neolithic burial found in
Britain.

The Monkton Deverill torc – a middle Bronze Age solid gold neck-ring
found in close proximity to a Bronze Age barrow.

Metal detected finds acquired as a result of the Treasure Act including
the late Bronze Age Wardour and Hindon Hoards.

Roman pottery from the New Forest Roman pottery kilns.

The Warminster Jewel, an Anglo-Saxon manuscript pointer (aestel)
possibly made for Alfred the Great.

Medieval finds from Old Sarum Castle and Cathedral and the palace at
Clarendon (the latter shared with the British Museum).

The Salisbury Drainage Collection, the nucleus of the museum when
founded in 1860 – this comprised portable and easily identified objects,
which had been recovered in the 1850s as the medieval open drainage
channels of the City were replaced by piped water supply and sewers.
The collection includes keys, knives, spoons, buckles, tokens, tools,
seals, badges, spurs, arrowheads. It consists of about 1,350 everyday
objects.
The number of archaeological items and assemblages is estimated to be in
excess of 100,000.
3.2
The Pitt-Rivers Collection
The collection comprises the following material:

The outstanding archaeological discoveries from the prehistoric and
Roman period made by the ‘father of modern scientific archaeology’ General Pitt-Rivers in Cranborne Chase.

Wood and plaster models and other explanatory material related to the
above.
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
A small collection of material excavated by General Pitt-Rivers in areas
other than Farnham.

Documents relating to the life and work of General Pitt-Rivers and to
the museum.

A comparative collection of antiquities particularly illustrating the three
age system.

Saxon antiquities from Britain.

Other groups of material from Britain, mainly of the Iron Age and
Roman periods, collected by General Pitt-Rivers.

An extensive collection of agricultural implements and objects
illustrating rural life in Britain and overseas.

A collection of photographs illustrating the ethnographic work of the
late Captain George Pitt-Rivers together with a small collection of
ethnographic objects.
The collection includes some non-local material and foreign items, which are
deemed to be an integral part of the collection and according to the conditions
of the gift should be retained as such.
The collection was given to the museum in 1975 by the Government and has
the following conditions attached:

retain the collection of archaeological material as a single collection, to
be named the Pitt-Rivers Collection and so display it to the public;

keep the collection in Salisbury Museum, or an out-station thereof
(being a place suitable for the display of the objects to members of the
public) and not allow it to be removed outside the Salisbury Museum,
or the out-station, except for a short period from time to time for the
purpose only of its restoration or preservation, or its loan for temporary
exhibition;

to accept the collection in its present condition and at its own expense
maintain the collection in good condition and carry out any work of
restoration or preservation that it considers to be desirable, and to
make good any reparable damage which may be sustained by the
items comprising the collection;

transfer the ownership of the collection free of any charge to the
Treasury Solicitor in the event of the Trustees of the Salisbury Museum
being unable, or unwilling, to comply with the foregoing undertakings,
and to deliver the collection to such place as the Treasury may direct.
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It is estimated that there are 10,000 archaeological, 450 agricultural and 300
ethnographical items.
3.3
Local History (post 1600)
Of particular significance in the collection are the relics of the ancient guilds of
Salisbury, most memorably the Merchant Tailors’ Giant and his companion
Hob Nob. Civic objects include items salvaged from the Council House fire in
1780, standard weights and measures and collections of Salisbury-made
bells, clocks and watches, silver, guns and cutlery. More recent manufacturing
history is represented by a Scout Motor car made in Salisbury in 1912 – one
of only two surviving today. The museum also has an extensive collection of
local photographs – mainly of a topographical nature.
3.4
Militaria
In the past the museum focused on collecting Wiltshire Volunteer and
Yeomanry Material from south Wiltshire. There is a particular focus on
uniforms including:
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John Swayne, a captain of the 1st Battalion, Wiltshire Local Militia
(1812),
two rare Wiltshire Yeomanry uniforms of 1817 and 1837 formerly
belonging to the Wyndham family who lived at Dinton House,
Brodie volunteer uniform (1831),
Rifle volunteer uniform (1856)
The museum in its former premises had an extensive display of military
uniforms.
3.5
Numismatics
English coins of all periods have been collected and include, via the PittRivers Collection, the Durden Collection of Iron Age coins from Hod Hill, and
the Warne Collection; tokens of the 17th and 19th centuries; military and
commemorative medals; and jettons. There are an estimated 7,000 items in
the collection.
3.6
Ceramics & Glass
The museum’s ceramics collection formed gradually based on the advice and
gifts of local private collectors. Dr Wilkes, a physician at Salisbury infirmary,
left his entire collection of pottery and porcelain to the museum after his death
in 1899, and the important addition of pieces from Frank Stevens, curator of
the museum (1913–49), and many other generous collectors, created a welldefined and carefully researched ceramics collection.
The collection consists primarily of English pottery and porcelain of the 18th
and 19th centuries. It is a connoisseur’s collection and there are
approximately 2,000 items. In addition the museum has collections of more
humble crockery manufactured locally in Dorset and Hampshire and items
produced for the local tourist market.
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The Brixie Jarvis Collection of Wedgwood (approximately 650 items) was
acquired in 1991. Mrs Brixie Jarvis, formerly of Rockbourne, was a ceramics
collector. Her Wedgwood collection was amassed over forty years and
illustrates the outstanding quality, variety and long history of this famous firm.
There is a representative collection of English glass, mostly drinking vessels.
3.7
Costume
The museum has an important costume and textile collection, which focuses
on items made by or associated with local people. The collection is strongest
in late 18th and 19th century material and numbers an estimated 5,000 items.
It represents various aspects of life in south Wiltshire including farming,
sporting, military history, church and domestic life.
Included in the costume collection is Downton Lace – this is the name given to
a type of bobbin lace used for edgings and insertions that was made in the
19th century in and around Downton, a village south of Salisbury. When, by
1910, the craft was in danger of dying out, it was revived as 'The Old Downton
Lace Industry'. The collection includes important displays of patterns,
prickings and samples, bobbins and bolster-shaped pillows, illustrations,
equipment and other memorabilia.
3.8
Prints, drawings and paintings
The museum collects painting, prints and drawings for their historical and
artistic interest. The collection is strong in topographical scenes, images of
local personalities, particular events and everyday life. It includes five
watercolours by J. M. W. Turner, a pencil drawing by John Constable, an oil
painting by Augustus John, watercolours of the city by Louise Rayner and the
archive of 20th century artist Rex Whistler. The collection (excluding the Rex
Whistler archive) comprises approximately 4,000 items.
3.9
Furniture and metalwork
A small number of items of furniture have been acquired for display,
especially in connection with the display of costume. There is a sizeable
collection of metalwork, mostly domestic items. The main element of this is
the Roland Mole collection of ‘English Domestic By-Gones’ donated in 193132. It mainly consists of objects from outside the local area including cottage
‘plenishings’ such as brass and pewter ware, roasting jacks, skimmers, flesh
forks and man-traps.
3.10
Geology
There is a good collection of chalk fossils from south Wiltshire. This was
started by one of the founders and honorary Director of the museum Dr
Humphrey Blackmore. The collection also includes collections assembled by
former honorary curators such as E Westlake, C J Read and more recently
Justin Delair. In addition there is a small collection of local rock and mineral
samples.
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3.11
Biology
There is a collection of birds (based on the Marsh Collection), and a few
mammals, part of the Sir Christopher Andrewes collection of flies, wasps, ants
and bees, some butterflies and moths, and a 19th century herbarium of
specimens from the UK and Switzerland (the Hussey collection).
3.12
Library
The museum library is essentially a working library for staff containing
approximately 4,000 books and over 200 box files of printed material. The
strength of the collection is in books on local archaeology and history, as well
as archaeological journals such as Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine. The
museum’s library dates back to the foundation of the museum in 1860 so
there are a significant number of antiquarian publications relating to
Stonehenge and the surrounding landscape, as well as general
archaeological and scientific reference books. Notable first editions include:
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Inigo Jones, The most notable antiquity of Great Britain, vulgarly called
Stone-Heng on Salisbury plain, 1655
Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Ancient Wiltshire Vol 1 (1812) and Vol 2 (1819)
Charles Darwin, On the Origin of the Species, 1859
John Kemble (et al), Horae Ferales, 1863
Sir John Lubbock, Prehistoric Times, 1865
General Pitt-Rivers, Excavations in Cranborne Chase, Vols 1-4, 18871898
Where items are not generally accessible through other libraries, supervised
access is given to researchers on the same basis as access given to those
who wish to examine objects.
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4.
Themes and priorities for future collecting
4.1
The collecting area
The collecting area of the museum is south Wiltshire. By agreement with the
Wiltshire Museum, especially with regard to archaeological material, the
boundary between their collecting areas is defined as the former
administrative boundary between Salisbury District and Kennet District (which
were merged to become part of the Wiltshire Council Unitary Authority in
2009), and elsewhere, south of the 46th O.S. Grid Line, with the exception as
laid down in section 6.2 below.
With regard to post medieval material, the collecting areas of museums with
the support care of the Wiltshire Council, notably Mere Museum and the
Dewey Museum at Warminster are recognised.
The museum is situated close to the Hampshire and Dorset County
boundaries and has in the past acquired objects from as far as Fordingbridge
to the south and Stockbridge to the east. This reflects the natural
geographical focus of Salisbury as far as the local population is concerned.
Notwithstanding this natural focus, the collecting policies of the Hampshire
County Museum Service and Dorset County Museum are noted, and where
objects from across the county boundaries are offered to the museum
acceptance will only be after consultation with curators in Hampshire and
Dorset. It is not the museum's policy to seek to acquire objects beyond those
boundaries.
The acquisition in 1975 of the Pitt-Rivers Wessex Collection included objects
from Dorset and some from further afield. This was a special case (as
reported in Museums Journal, Vol 75, no 4 (March 1976), pp 156-158).
The museum has an important collection of English ceramics and the Rex
Whistler archive. These collections are not confined to local geographical
boundaries.
4.2
Archaeology
The museum is the recognised archaeological museum for south Wiltshire
and collects objects of all periods for display and research purposes. The
Stonehenge collection is a special collection and material relating to it will be
actively sought. However we will not collect material from outside county
boundaries – for example from sites in Hampshire or Dorset – where material
has not been given in the past.
In January 2013 the museum took the decision to close to the deposition of
archaeological finds and archives that result from archaeological excavation in
advance of development, as our stores are full. This action was taken jointly
with the Wiltshire Museum, whose stores are also full.
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The issue of archaeological storage has been recognised in the Wiltshire
Council Core Strategy, and the accompanying Infrastructure Delivery Plan
sets out the requirement for museum storage for the sustainable preservation
of archaeological finds and archives. The National Planning Policy Framework
provides the policy background. The museums have informed Wiltshire
Council that in our view, any planning consents agreed by Wiltshire Council
that require archaeological intervention are not sustainable under current
planning policy.
Until Wiltshire Council provide the funding required for additional storage for
archaeological archives or an additional storage facility is secured, our
collections are closed to developer funded archives. We are continuing to
collect individual finds and archives from excavation and field-walking projects
undertaken by voluntary groups. Exceptionally we may accept small
archaeological archives that do not result from developer-funded excavations.
When accepting material from archaeological excavations and fieldwork
attention will be drawn to the museum's 'Guidelines and Conditions for the
Preparation and Deposition of Archaeological Archives' (1994) and any
subsequent revisions of same.
4.3
General Pitt-Rivers
The museum will collect material which relates to General Pitt-Rivers as the
"Father of modern scientific archaeology". It recognises the ethnographical
interests of the Pitt-Rivers Museum at Oxford and the Dorset interests, with
regard to some of Pitt-Rivers work in Cranborne Chase, of the Dorset County
Museum and will consult these museums with regard to such matters.
4.4
Social History
The museum actively collects local historical material from the City of
Salisbury from post-medieval times to the present, including local trade, guild
and civic items.
The museum also collects local historical material in a discriminating and
more passive manner from south Wiltshire, especially the former Salisbury
District Council area.
The parishes are: Alderbury, Allington, Alvediston, Amesbury, Ansty, Barford
St Martin, Berwick St James, Berwick St John, Berwick St Leonard,
Bishopstone, Bishopstrow, Bodenham, Boscombe, Bower Chalke, Boyton,
Britford, Brixton Deverill, Broad Chalke, Bulford, Burcombe Without,
Chapmanslade, Chicklade, Chilmark, Chitterne, Cholderton, Clarendon Park,
Codford St Mary, Codford St Peter, Compton Chamberlayne, Coombe Bissett,
Corsley, Dinton, Donhead St Andrew, Donhead St Mary, Downton, Durnford,
Durrington, East Knoyle, Ebbesbourne Wake, Farley, Figheldean, Fisherton
de la Mere, Fonthill Bishop, Fonthill Gifford, Fovant, Great Wishford,
Grimstead, Hanging Langford, Heytesbury, Hill Deverill, Hindon, Homington,
Horningsham, Idmiston, Knook, Kilmington, Kingston Deverill, Landford,
Laverstock, Longbridge Deverill, Maddington, Maiden Bradley with Yarnfield,
Milston, Monkton Deverill, Netherhampton, Newton Tony, Norton Bavant,
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Nunton, Odstock, Orcheston, Pitton, Quidhampton, Redlynch, Rollestone,
Salisbury, Sedgehill and Semley, Sherrington, Shrewton, South Newton,
Stockton, Standlynch, Stapleford, Steeple Langford, Stourton with Gapser,
Stratford Tony, Sutton Mandeville, Sutton Veny, Swallowcliffe, Teffont,
Tilshead, Tisbury, Tollard Royal, Upton Lovell, Wardour, West Dean, West
Harnham, West Knoyle, West Tisbury, Whiteparish, Wilsford cum Lake,
Wilton, Winterbourne Dauntsey, Winterbourne Earls, Winterbourne Gunner,
Winterbourne Stoke, Winterslow, Woodfalls, Woodford, Wylye, Zeals.
Local photographs are actively collected.
Industrial archaeology, agricultural and architectural material – the museum
does not seek to acquire large or bulky items of this nature except in special
circumstances. Manageable items, especially those relating to Salisbury, are
collected on a selective basis.
The creation of a new Salisbury Gallery covering the period 1220 to the
present day means this area is a major priority for collections development.
The museum needs to consider an active process of collecting contemporary
material as this is a particular weakness.
4.5
Militaria
This will be extended as opportunities arise. Items relating to the Royal
Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment will be directed towards its
own museum, also in the Cathedral Close. Items relating to particular south
Wiltshire people may be acquired where relevant to the local theme of the
museum.
4.6
Numismatics
The museum collects locally found coins; coins, medals and tokens with local
associations; and English coins which might be used for display or reference
purposes.
4.7
Ceramics & Glass
The museum will not acquire items for this collection unless they are of local
relevance.
4.8
Costume
Costume and textiles worn, made by or associated with local people are
collected, particularly material with display potential. Working people's and
men's clothing is particularly needed to fill gaps in the collection.
Downton lace is a particular feature of the collection, and opportunities to
acquire well provenanced items and information about this local industry will
be sought.
Although some non-local material has been accepted in the past it is policy to
concentrate the collection of costume and textiles upon local historical
principles. Seemingly high quality objects will thus be rejected if they fall
outside of these guidelines
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4.9
Prints, drawings and paintings
Topographical works, pictures of local personalities and works by local artists
are collected from within the geographical collecting area of the museum as
defined for local history.
Acquisition will concentrate upon scenes not represented in the collection,
and particularly items which throw further light upon the historical
development of buildings, landscape etc.
Although family portraits of Wiltshire worthies are collected, it is not intended
that the collection should grow significantly as display and storage facilities for
this class of object are limited.
The museum is not an art gallery, and does not collect works for their artistic
merit alone. It is intended, however, to acquire a representative collection of
works by local artists, though this will of necessity be on a selective basis.
There is a presumption that works by the Salisbury artist Edwin Young shall
only be acquired after consultation with the Edwin Young Trust, Salisbury.
4.10
Furniture and metalwork
The museum does not collect furniture, except in special circumstances e.g.
Salisbury joiners' items of the 17th century.
In terms of metalwork future collection in this area will concentrate on local
material, e.g. items made by local craftsmen, engraved for local people,
associated with local events etc.
Salisbury silver is collected, though financial and security constraints mean
that acquisitions have to be selective. Material is especially sought which
extends the range of makers or class of object in the collection.
4.11
Natural Sciences – Biology and Geology
It has been recognised since the mid 1970s that the Wiltshire Museum is the
major repository of natural science material in Wiltshire. It has special
responsibility in this field and has a climatically controlled store for such
collections (which Salisbury Museum does not). From this it follows that the
museum's acquisition policy in the natural sciences will be very restricted.
New material will only be acquired:
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where it relates to the geographical collecting area of the museum
and where it has display potential
and where adequate facilities can be provided for its proper care.
Material of a purely research nature will be directed to the Wiltshire Museum
or another appropriate institution. No spirit material will be accepted.
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4.12
Library
Books, journals, maps, pamphlets and other printed materials are acquired
relating to the collections held, the history of the geographical collecting area
and more general works helpful to the staff. These are only accessioned into
the museum's permanent collection where they are deemed to be objects
collectable in their own right.
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5.
Themes and priorities for rationalisation and disposal
5.1
The museum recognises that the principles on which priorities for
rationalisation and disposal are determined will be through a formal review
process that identifies which collections are included and excluded from the
review. The outcome of review and any subsequent rationalisation will not
reduce the quality or significance of the collection and will result in a more
useable, well managed collection.
5.2
The procedures used will meet professional standards. The process will be
documented, open and transparent. There will be clear communication with
key stakeholders about the outcomes and the process.
5.3
Potential areas for disposal or transfer to another institution include:
5.3.1 Archaeology
The archaeology collections need to be systematically reviewed to determine
what material should be retained for future reference. Archives from sites
such as Durrington Walls were excavated in the 1960s and contain finds that
would be disposed of by today’s standards. The collections review could be
undertaken by a professional organisation such as Wessex Archaeology
applying their own and the SMA’s Selection, Retention and Disposal
guidelines. This process will help to free up space for more archives.
5.3.2 Biology
The museum’s collection of birds and other animals is primarily non-local.
There is little scope for permanent display in the future and no curatorial
expertise on the staff. The museum does not receive any enquiries about the
collection. The collection needs to be reviewed so an assessment can be
made about what should be retained. An ideal location for the collection would
be another museum or historic house where it could be displayed on long
term loan.
5.3.3 Pitt-Rivers Collection
The terms of the gift of the Pitt-Rivers collection from the Treasury specify that
the collection needs to be retained in its entirety (see section 3.2). However
there are ethnographic, archaeological and agricultural items of non-local
origin which would be better suited to a museum that has a specialism in this
area. In fact this element of the collection is more akin to the holdings of the
Pitt-Rivers museum in Oxford. The transfer of this material elsewhere needs
careful consideration and must be done in consultation with the Arts Council
and the Pitt-Rivers family.
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6.
Collecting policies of other museums
6.1
The museum will take account of the collecting policies of other museums and
other organisations collecting in the same or related areas or subject fields. It
will consult with these organisations where conflicts of interest may arise or to
define areas of specialism, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication and
waste of resources.
6.2
Specific reference is made to the following museum(s)/organisation(s):
6.2.1 Note shall be taken of the agreement between Salisbury Museum and
Wiltshire Museum that the administrative boundary between the former
Salisbury and Kennet Districts, and the OS Grid Line parallel 46 elsewhere,
shall act as the dividing boundary between their respective collecting areas.
The exception to this shall be where archaeological material from a particular
excavation archive either side of the line is already held by the other museum:
in that case there is a presumption that new finds will pass to the museum
already holding material in order to keep the assemblage complete.
6.2.2 Note shall also be taken of the policies of Warminster and Mere museums,
which receive support care of the Wiltshire Council.
6.2.3 Works by the Salisbury artist Edwin Young shall only be acquired after
consultation with the Edwin Young Trust, Salisbury.
6.2.4 Where archives are collected note shall be taken of the policy of the Wiltshire
and Swindon Record Office.
6.2.5 Where a conflict may arise, the matter shall be discussed with the relevant
curator and the Wiltshire Council Museums Officer or Principal Archivist prior
to acquisition.
7.
Archival holdings
As the museum holds archives, including photographs and printed ephemera,
our governing body will be guided by the Code of Practice on Archives for
Museums and Galleries in the United Kingdom (3rd ed., 2002).
As a general principle we do not collect documents such as deeds or
business records or other records which constitute an archive. The only
exception to this are documents which directly relate to objects within the
collections, such as artists’ correspondence about works we hold. Existing
holdings of archives will be transferred to the Wiltshire and Swindon History
Centre (WSHC). We will seek to deposit these on long term loan with the
WSHC, or other recognised record offices. Future documents which come into
the museum as part of other collections, or are offered to the museum, will be
directed to the appropriate record office unless they fall into the category
above. This is provided that safeguards for access can be assured. We will
also maintain a catalogue of archive material on loan to record offices.
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8.
Legal and ethical framework for acquisition and disposal of items
8.1
The museum recognises its responsibility to work within the parameters of the
Museum Association Code of Ethics (2008) when considering acquisition and
disposal.
8.2
The museum will not acquire any object or specimen unless it is satisfied that
the object or specimen has not been acquired in, or exported from, its country
of origin (or any intermediate country in which it may have been legally
owned) in violation of that country’s laws. (For the purposes of this paragraph
‘country of origin’ includes the United Kingdom).
8.3
In accordance with the provisions of the UNESCO 1970 Convention on the
Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of
Ownership of Cultural Property, which the UK ratified with effect from
November 1 2002, and the Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Act 2003,
the museum will reject any items that have been illicitly traded. The governing
body will be guided by the national guidance on the responsible acquisition of
cultural property issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in
2005.
8.4
As the museum holds or intends to acquire human remains from any period, it
will follow the procedures in the ‘Guidance for the care of human remains in
museums’ issued by DCMS in 2005.
8.5
So far as biological and geological material is concerned, the museum will not
acquire by any direct or indirect means any specimen that has been collected,
sold or otherwise transferred in contravention of any national or international
wildlife protection or natural history conservation law or treaty of the United
Kingdom or any other country, except with the express consent of an
appropriate outside authority.
8.6.
The museum will not acquire archaeological material (including excavated
ceramics) in any case where the governing body or responsible officer has
any suspicion that the circumstances of their recovery involved a failure to
follow the appropriate legal procedures.
8.7
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the procedures include reporting
archaeological finds to the landowner or occupier of the land and to the proper
authorities in the case of possible treasure (i.e. the Coroner for Treasure) as
set out in the Treasure Act 1996 (as amended by the Coroners & Justice Act
2009).
8.8
Any exceptions to the above clauses will only be because the museum is:

acting as an externally approved repository of last resort for material of
local (UK) origin

acting with the permission of authorities with the requisite jurisdiction in
the country of origin
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In these cases the museum will be open and transparent in the way it makes
decisions and will act only with the express consent of an appropriate outside
authority. The museum will document when these exceptions occur.
8.9
The museum will use the statement of principles ‘Spoliation of Works of Art
during the Nazi, Holocaust and World War II period’, issued for non-national
museums in 1999 by the Museums and Galleries Commission.
8.10
The disposal of human remains from museums in England, Northern Ireland
and Wales will follow the procedures in the ‘Guidance for the care of human
remains in museums’ issued by DCMS in 2005.
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9.
Acquisition procedures
9.1
The museum makes acquisitions by purchase, bequest, donation and
transfer. We also take in material on defined short or long term loan in certain
circumstances. We do not accept loans unless there is an immediate use,
either display, research or another purpose. We do not accept indefinite loans
or “permanent” loans.
9.2
Acquisitions must meet the criteria in section 1 and fall within the scope
defined in sections 3 and 4 above in relation to subject, period and
geographical areas from which derived. The decision as to whether an object
meets these criteria will be decided by the curatorial staff of the museum
acting on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
9.3
The owner must transfer to the museum absolute ownership of any objects
deposited, together with any rights of copyright or reproduction held by the
owner in respect of those items, without condition other than the museum will
hold the items on trust for use for educational purposes for the public benefit.
9.4
The museum recognises its responsibility in acquiring additions to its
collections, to ensure that care of collections, documentation arrangements
and use of collections will meet the requirements of the Arts Council's
Accreditation Standard. It will take into account limitations on collecting
imposed by such factors as staffing, storage and care of collection
arrangements.
9.5
We have a presumption against acquiring any object in poor condition and
requiring a significant amount of conservation, unless the object is of major
significance to the collection. We will also avoid collecting objects which
present particular storage or handling problems.
9.6
We will not collect duplicate material unless the provenance of the material is
significant or unless it is for handling purposes.
9.7
We will also not acquire an object if the donor/vendor/executor/artist places
conditions on the acquisition which we believe are impracticable. We will
make it clear to any owner of a prospective acquisition that, in accepting an
object, we do not undertake to place it on permanent display.
9.8
Acquisitions outside the current stated policy will only be made in very
exceptional circumstances, and then only after proper consideration by the
governing body of the museum itself, having regard to the interests of other
museums.
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9.9
Decisions regarding acquisitions which require significant resources or a
fundraising programme will be decided by the Director in consultation with the
Board of Trustees. The museum does not have a permanent fund for
acquisitions and will only purchase objects if it can raise the funds to acquire
them. However the museum has a strong track record of securing funding for
acquisitions including grants from the Art Fund, National Heritage Memorial
Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund, Headley Museums Archaeological Acquisitions
Fund and the V & A Purchase Grant Fund.
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10
Disposal procedures
10.1
All disposals will be undertaken with reference to the SPECTRUM Primary
Procedures on disposal.
10.2
The governing body will confirm that it is legally free to dispose of an item.
Agreements on disposal made with donors will also be taken into account.
10.3
When disposal of a museum object is being considered, the museum will
establish if it was acquired with the aid of an external funding organisation. In
such cases, any conditions attached to the original grant will be followed. This
may include repayment of the original grant and a proportion of the proceeds
if the item is disposed of by sale.
10.4
When disposal is motivated by curatorial reasons the procedures outlined
below will be followed and the method of disposal may be by gift, sale,
exchange or as a last resort - destruction.
10.5
The decision to dispose of material from the collections will be taken by the
governing body only after full consideration of the reasons for disposal. Other
factors including public benefit, the implications for the museum’s collections
and collections held by museums and other organisations collecting the same
material or in related fields will be considered. Expert advice will be obtained
and the views of stakeholders such as donors, researchers, local and source
communities and others served by the museum will also be sought.
10.6
A decision to dispose of a specimen or object, whether by gift, exchange, sale
or destruction (in the case of an item too badly damaged or deteriorated to be
of any use for the purposes of the collections or for reasons of health and
safety), will be the responsibility of the governing body of the museum acting
on the advice of professional curatorial staff and not of the curator of the
collection acting alone.
10.7
Once a decision to dispose of material in the collection has been taken,
priority will be given to retaining it within the public domain. It will therefore be
offered in the first instance, by gift or sale, directly to other Accredited
Museums likely to be interested in its acquisition.
10.8
If the material is not acquired by any Accredited museum to which it was
offered as a gift or for sale, then the museum community at large will be
advised of the intention to dispose of the material normally through a notice
on the MA’s Find an Object web listing service, an announcement in the
Museums Association’s Museums Journal or in other specialist publications
and websites (if appropriate).
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10.9
The announcement relating to gift or sale will indicate the number and nature
of specimens or objects involved, and the basis on which the material will be
transferred to another institution. Preference will be given to expressions of
interest from other Accredited Museums. A period of at least two months will
be allowed for an interest in acquiring the material to be expressed. At the end
of this period, if no expressions of interest have been received, the museum
may consider disposing of the material to other interested individuals and
organisations giving priority to organisations in the public domain.
10.10 Any monies received by the museum governing body from the disposal of
items will be applied solely and directly for the benefit of the collections. This
normally means the purchase of further acquisitions. In exceptional cases,
improvements relating to the care of collections in order to meet or exceed
Accreditation requirements relating to the risk of damage to and deterioration
of the collections may be justifiable. Any monies received in compensation for
the damage, loss or destruction of items will be applied in the same way.
Advice on those cases where the monies are intended to be used for the care
of collections will be sought from the Arts Council England.
10.11 The proceeds of a sale will be allocated so it can be demonstrated that they
are spent in a manner compatible with the requirements of the Accreditation
standard. Money must be restricted to the long-term sustainability, use and
development of the collection.
10.12 Full records will be kept of all decisions on disposals and the items involved
and proper arrangements made for the preservation and/or transfer, as
appropriate, of the documentation relating to the items concerned, including
photographic records where practicable in accordance with SPECTRUM
Procedure on deaccession and disposal.
10.13 The nature of disposal by exchange means that the museum will not
necessarily be in a position to exchange the material with another Accredited
museum. The governing body will therefore ensure that issues relating to
accountability and impartiality are carefully considered to avoid undue
influence on its decision-making process.
10.13.1
In cases where the governing body wishes for sound curatorial reasons
to exchange material directly with Accredited or non-Accredited
museums, with other organisations or with individuals, the procedures
in paragraphs 10.1-5 will apply.
10.13.2
If the exchange is proposed to be made with a specific Accredited
museum, other Accredited museums which collect in the same or
related areas will be directly notified of the proposal and their
comments will be requested.
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10.13.3
If the exchange is proposed with a non-Accredited museum, with
another type of organisation or with an individual, the museum will
place a notice on the MA’s Find an Object web listing service, or make
an announcement in the Museums Association’s Museums Journal or
in other specialist publications and websites (if appropriate).
10.13.4
Both the notification and announcement must provide information on
the number and nature of the specimens or objects involved both in the
museum’s collection and those intended to be acquired in exchange. A
period of at least two months must be allowed for comments to be
received. At the end of this period, the governing body must consider
the comments before a final decision on the exchange is made.
Disposal by destruction
10.14
If it is not possible to dispose of an object through transfer or sale, the
governing body may decide to destroy it.
10.15
It is acceptable to destroy material of low intrinsic significance
(duplicate mass-produced articles or common specimens which lack
significant provenance) where no alternative method of disposal can be
found.
10.16
Destruction is also an acceptable method of disposal in cases where
an object is in extremely poor condition, has high associated health
and safety risks or is part of an approved destructive testing request
identified in an organisation’s research policy.
10.17
Where necessary, specialist advice will be sought to establish the
appropriate method of destruction. Health and safety risk assessments
will be carried out by trained staff where required.
10.18
The destruction of objects should be witnessed by an appropriate
member of the museum workforce. In circumstances where this is not
possible, e.g. the destruction of controlled substances, a police
certificate should be obtained and kept in the relevant object history
file.
ADRIAN GREEN
OCTOBER 2014
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