AXMINSTER HERITAGE LIMITED
Brief for Consultancy for Museum Relocation
1.
Introduction
This brief sets out the requirements for a Consultant to provide support and ensure the safe relocation of
the Axminster museum collection to the new Heritage Centre in the former carpet factory building, Thomas
Whitty House.
The role is offered in a part-time, short term contract on a consultancy/self employed basis. The project is
being led and managed by Axminster Heritage Ltd and the consultant will be managed by the Chair of the
Collections Committee, who is also a Trustee.
2.
Context
Axminster Heritage Ltd. was incorporated in 2005 to establish a Heritage Centre in the former carpet factory
and in doing so conserve, celebrate and gain a far wider recognition of the rich heritage of this important
and highly skilled industry that made Axminster carpets famous worldwide. It became a registered Charity in
2006.
In late 2014 Axminster Museum, a registered charity, merged with AHL transferring its assets including its
museum collection to it with the aim of relocating the collection into larger premises in which the history of
Axminster and especially its world famous carpet industry would be better told. The museum is run by a
team over 40 volunteers. The museum currently operates in a first floor rented space where damp and
unstable environmental conditions are putting the collection at risk. Current provision is cramped and lack
of space limits displays, collection care necessitates dispersed storage to multiple locations across the town.
Although the name of Axminster is associated throughout the world with carpets, there is nowhere that
celebrates this. The overall aim is for Thomas Whitty House to become an interactive Heritage Centre that
will inform residents of their heritage and attract more visitors to the town contributing to its regeneration.
The Heritage Centre, which will have historic carpet related artefacts as its centrepiece, will be a modern
‘interactive’ attraction appealing to visitors of all ages with training and research facilities, a shop and a cafe.
3.
Phase 1 of the Project
Phase 1 of this project will partly renovate the ground floor of the building, provide full public access and
relocate the museum’s collection to Thomas Whitty House. This will safeguard the collection, bring
dispersed items under one roof, offer space to properly care for and display the collection and enable the
museum to implement new collecting policies to properly tell the heritage story of the town.
The Consultant will work with the museum’s Collection Committee who are in the process of reviewing its
Collection Development Policy, assess the artefacts and arrange for their removal and set up in Thomas
Whitty House. The Committee are recruiting more volunteers and need to ensure all volunteers receive
appropriate training and establish plans to grow the collection. The museum is currently working towards
Accreditation.
Axminster Heritage
Brief for Consultant for Museum Relocation
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5.
Role of the Consultant
S/he will:
1. Work under the direction of the Collections Committee and prepare reports recommending
programmes of work so that a realistic, detailed and resourced plan including timetable, for
collection review and relocation is produced.
2. Work with the Co-ordinator (volunteer role) to deliver a volunteer training programme
3. Work alongside the volunteers, to collect all necessary documentation in preparation for a full
museum move.
4. Work alongside the volunteers, training them and assisting them to package all the collection ready
to be moved and noting in the records any conservation needs of artefacts as they are packed.
5. Work alongside volunteers in identifying the potential for rationalisation and identify items for
de-accessioning.
6. Evaluate artefacts that are in the Old Court House that have not been accessioned and produce a
report for the Trustees, on which should be disposed of and which accessioned.
7. Provide advice and guidance as required to assist in the development of new displays and
interpretation at Thomas Whitty House.
8. Work alongside volunteers and the removal firm on moving day ensuring that accurate records for
where all accessioned artefacts are either displayed or stored in Thomas Whitty House.
9. Assist the Trustees develop relevant museum polices and plans .
10. Assist in preparing the evaluation report on the collection and relocation project to meet the HLF
guidance/requirements.
11. Attend relevant meetings as and when necessary.
6.
Experience and Skills
ESSENTIAL
Experience




Experience of collections management
Experience of evaluating similar projects
and activities
Experience of working for and reporting
on publicly funded projects
Experience of working with volunteers
DESIRABLE



Experience of rationalisation and/or
museum moves.
Experience of developing and managing
projects incorporating different elements
of heritage, interpretation and
participation
Experience of developing and delivering
activities to meet the requirements of
HLF
Knowledge and Skills




Post graduate or equivalent museum
recognised qualification
Some experience of working in the
museums sector
Knowledge of relevant health & safety
legislation and procedures
Computer literate
Axminster Heritage
Brief for Consultant for Museum Relocation


Knowledge of social and industrial
history or other relevant heritage
Knowledge of the local area
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Interpersonal Skills

A good team player but also able to work
 Adaptable and creative
on own initiative
 Possession of good planning, organising
and problem solving skills
 Capable of maintaining a high output of
work and keeping to deadlines
 Good communication skills
Particular Circumstances
 Flexibility and availability; able to respond to the requirements of Axminster Heritage and
other stakeholders and attend regular meetings in East Devon
7.
Timetable
The current timetable for the project is as follows:
 HLF funding decision and permission to start
 Consultant and other consultants appointed to the project
 Construction
 Museum relocation
 Possible opening of Museum to the public
 Museum closes for season
 Consultancy project evaluation
8.
mid May 2015
end May 2015
July/August 2015
end August 2015
September 2015
End October 2015
Oct 2015
Contract
The fee of £6,600 is based on a daily consultancy rate of £275 inclusive of all expenses and subsistence.
The allocation of time is based on an average of 6 days during June, July and August, 4 in September and 2 in
October although these may fluctuate during the assignment. There is no holiday entitlement, pension
scheme or other benefit associated with this appointment. Payment by arrangement, but it is expected to
be monthly on submission of an invoice.
The person appointed will be responsible for ensuring their own health & safety and those they work with,
complying with relevant legislation
9.
Appointment process
In accordance with HLF procurement guidelines the appointment will be made on a best value basis.
Axminster Heritage Ltd will select a consultant that they feel has the experience and skills outlined in Section
6. To apply for the position, please send a full CV, letter of application showing how you meet the person
specification, and full contact details, together with the name and contact details of a professional referee
by 12 noon, 12 May 2015 to Robbi.Robson@googlemail.com . Interviews will be held and the decision of
Axminster Heritage Ltd is final.
For further information or guidance on this brief please contact Mr Laurence Hitchcock, Chair of the
Collections Committee. Email:
Foxwood1993@btinternet.com
Telephone: 01297 442768
Axminster Heritage
Brief for Consultant for Museum Relocation
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