Donating Objects to Rugby Art Gallery and Museum’s Social
History Collection
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum is still actively adding to its social history collection
and it is through generous donations from members of the public that our collection is
able to grow as a public resource. This information sheet explains our collection
procedures and what to do if you would like to donate an object to the museum
collection.
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum collects objects, which are relevant to the history of
the borough of Rugby. If you would like to offer an object that you feel will be
appropriate for the collection please review the Summary Acquisition Policy at the
end of this form and contact the museum. You can do this in one of the ways below.
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Complete the Donation Enquiry Form and return it to the museum either online
or by post to;
Collections Officer
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum
Little Elborow Street
Rugby
CV21 3BZ
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Email details of your object(s) to: ragm@rugby.gov.uk
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Phone: (01788) 533201
Once your offer has been received it will need to be reviewed by the appropriate staff
member. We aim to respond to offers within six weeks. This is because we receive
several offers every week and each enquiry has to be considered in the same way.
If for any reason we are not able to accept your offer you will be contacted as soon
as possible. Please do not be offended by this. This will be because we either have a
duplicate item in the collection already or that it does not fit with the current collecting
policy.
Please note the museum does not normally accept:
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Material on long-term loan. Objects are only accepted as donations or
bequests.
Donations with specific conditions attached.
Hazardous objects or substances.
If your object fits our collection you will be contacted by a member of staff to arrange
a time for it to be handed into the museum. Once the object(s) enter the museum an
entry must be completed with details of the object(s). As part of this you will be asked
to sign a transfer of title section on the entry form. This formalises the donation of the
objects, including full title, which will pass to Rugby Borough Council.
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum Donation Enquiry Form
Thank you for your kind offer. Please complete the form below with details of your
proposed object(s) for donation. Remember to include as many details as possible.
Name Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms…………………………………………………………………………..
Address.………………………………………………………………………………………..
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Postcode.………………………………..…Telephone.……………………………………..
Email.…………………………………………………………………………………..............
Object Information
Please describe the object(s) as well as their condition. Please be as specific as
possible.
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……………………………………………Number of objects………………………………..
Object History
Please provide as much detail as possible regarding the object(s) connection with
Rugby. i.e., who owned, used or purchased the object, where and how it was used?
Priority will be given to objects with a strong local history or connection.
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Please include a photographic image if possible.
For office use only
Object(s) Accepted/Declined……………………..Date received………………………….
Entry Number…………………………………Accession Number……….………………...
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum - Summary Acquisition Policy
This provides a brief summary of Rugby Art Gallery and Museum’s formal
acquisition policy. The purpose of this policy is to define the criteria for the
museum’s collecting activities and to encourage public confidence in the
museum as a suitable repository. It also ensures that material is accepted
according to a recognised strategy and serves as a reference document to
guide curatorial decisions. If you are considering a donation or bequest to
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum and would like to see the full Acquisition and
Disposal Policy please either visit our Collections Guidelines page of our
website or contact the museum on the number above.
The Collecting Area
The acquisition of objects for the social history collection will be relevant to the
history of the area within the boundary of the borough of Rugby. Archaeological
material will only be acquired from a limited number of parishes within the borough
of Rugby. For details please see the list below. For the remaining areas of the
borough, archaeology will be collected by Warwickshire County Museum.
The museum will take into account the policies of other museums collecting in the
same or related areas or subject fields and will consult with these organisations
where conflicts of interest may arise, in order to avoid duplication and a waste of
resources.
Criteria for the Acquisition of Objects
The museum recognises its responsibility, when acquiring material to ensure
adequate conservation, documentation and proper use of this material and takes
into account limitations on collecting imposed by such factors as inadequate staffing,
storage and conservation resources.
The museum will not accept any object, whether by donation, purchase or bequest
unless staff concerned are satisfied that the museum can acquire a valid title to the
object.
Collections
Biological and Geological Collections
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum will not acquire any biological or geological
specimens unless they form part of an archaeological archive. Warwickshire County
Museum is the main place for deposition for any biological or geological material.
Social History Collections
The museum is continuing to collect objects and material relating to the social and
economic history of the area. The collection comprises material and associated
information relating to the history of the borough of Rugby and the histories of the
people who have lived and worked here. Priority will be given to objects that fill
identifiable gaps in the collection that are accompanied by strong supporting
information or provenance.
Areas of the collection, which would benefit from greater representation include:
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Cultural diversity in the borough
Domestic History
Traditional skills and crafts
Toys and Games
Working lives
Archaeology Collections
The museum acquires finds and excavated material from every period to the present
day from controlled scientific excavation and fieldwork carried out with the specified
geological collection area. This includes the Rugby Town along with the following
parishes;
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Clifton upon Dunsmore
Newton and Biggin
Churchover
Cosford
Easenhall
Harborough Magna
Kings Newnham
Little Lawford
Long Lawford
Church Lawford
Dunchurch
Cawston in Admirals
Casual finds of archaeological material from within this collecting area will be
considered for acquisition according to the object(s) rarity and significance, condition
and the information that is provided by the donor on the provenance of the find.
The Rugby Collection
The Rugby Collection is a contemporary collection of British 20th and 21st century
artworks. The collection is still active and acquisitions are made with the advice of an
experiences independent art advisor with specialist knowledge in contemporary art.
Rugby School
Rugby School Museum collects material that documents the history of Rugby
School, its pupils and staff. Because of this Rugby Art Gallery and Museum will not
routinely collect material that specifically deals with Rugby School and its history.
However, it will work closely with the archivists at the school to ensure that material,
which represents both school and the town, is adequately documented with accurate
information and ensure that display material can be shared between both
institutions.