Acquisition & Disposal Policy: Museum Service
1. Purpose of the acquisition & disposal policy
1.1.
The purpose of this policy is to comply with the requirements of the
Resource Registration Standard concerning the acquisition and disposal of
collections and to encourage public confidence in the museum as a suitable
repository.
1.2.
The policy also defines the present state and use of the collections and
reviews the current policy of acquisition and disposal. It ensures material is
accepted according to a recognised strategy and serves as a reference
document to guide curatorial decisions.
1.3.
The policy identifies the resources available to maintain the present and
future collections and ensures more efficient use of these resources.
1.4.
The policy establishes relationships with other museum bodies in the area
with regard to acquisition of material for the collection and transfer of
objects.
Name of museum: Wrexham
Governing body: Wrexham
County Borough Museum Service
County Borough Council
Date approved by governing body: 2003
Date at which policy due for review: 2008
2. Description of the existing collections
2.1.
Wrexham County Borough Museum: The present collections represent
20 years of collecting and some subject areas have been difficult to acquire.
In general the collections reflect the local, social, military and industrial
history of the area in the 20th century. Of particular note are the artefacts of
the brick, tile and terracotta industry, a collection of Wrexham clocks and of
an early history of Wrexham printing and publishing. A collection of
Prehistoric, Roman and Industrial archaeological material and artefacts from
local chapels, schools and representing home life are significant. The
museum also holds the Welsh Football Collection, a large collection of
football-related memorabilia, purchased as the basis for the formation of a
national collection with the financial assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund
and the Football Association of Wales.
2.2.
In addition, a large collection of early 20th century ‘Design’ bakelite home
ware including kitchenware, lighting and some furniture is held in the
museum on loan for potential permanent display.
-1-
2.3.
Bersham Heritage Centre and Ironworks: Bersham Heritage Centre in
the Clywedog Valley opened in 1983 as the first phase in the development of
a major museum on John Wilkinson and his important 18th century
Ironworks. In 1987, Clwyd County Council acquired the site of Wilkinson’s
Ironworks at Mill Farm. Following extensive excavation and restoration the
Ironworks were opened to the public in 1992.
2.4.
A collecting policy for Bersham Heritage Centre was initially established in
1986. To date some 20,000 items have been collected including unique
material from the archaeological excavations on the site of the ironworks at
Mill Farm. The collection also includes related Iron and Steel making
artefacts from other sites, notably Brymbo, and also a coal mining collection.
2.5.
Bersham Colliery: The former Bersham Colliery site was purchased by the
former Clwyd County Council in 1987. The lattice headgear (a scheduled
ancient monument), winding engine house and electrically operated engine
remain in situ. It has been the long-term objective that they should form the
basis for a museum to interpret coal mining in the area. (see below 3.10.1)
Bersham Heritage Centre therefore includes collections of coalmining interest
acquired with a view to display once Bersham Colliery is established.
2.6.
Fenns Moss: The former Clwyd County Council acquired the machinery at
the peat processing works (Fenns Old Works) at Fenns Moss, at the eastern
extremity of the County, in 1993. There is, therefore, an interest in the
history of the Moss and in collecting related artefacts.
3. Criteria governing future collecting policy, including the subjects or
themes for collecting
3.1.
Art: The Museum Service will acquire works of fine art in all media
(particularly oils, watercolours, prints and sculpture) by artists with direct
connections with the locality, or works by other artists which show a local
scene, people or group, or have a Welsh theme. Liaison will be maintained
with the Clwyd Fine Art Trust to avoid conflict of interests.
3.2.
In liaison with the Council’s Visual Arts Officer contemporary works of art will
be acquired through the Wrexham Arts Centre. Preference will be given to
artists who have exhibited at the gallery, residencies, and from open shows.
Material from the Arts Council of Wales reserve collections have been
acquired which fit the criteria outlined in 3.1 above.
3.3.
Archaeology: It will be the policy of the Museum Service, in conjunction
with the Council’s Archaeology Service, to collect by either casual find, or
through scientific excavation, archaeological material from the area, from the
earliest times to the present day. (see also section 8.2 below)
3.4.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the acquisition of medieval and
prehistoric material, which are both underrepresented in the existing
collections.
-2-
3.5.
Costume: The Museum Service has acquired a good collection of costume
and accessories (mainly late Victorian and 20th century ladies clothing). It will
be the policy to build on this collection and to identify and fill gaps.
3.6.
Social History: The Museum Service will collect items relating to the
domestic, rural and industrial environment of the Wrexham area i.e. ‘how
people lived and worked’. Social history is a difficult area to define closely
but subjects would, for instance, include religion, education, home life,
sports and pastimes, customs and beliefs, and coins and medals.
3.6.1.
Football: The Museum Service will continue to collect items
relating to the history of football in Wales, including the
national team as well as Welsh professional and amateur
league clubs. Particular emphasis will be given to material
that relates to the history of football in Wrexham County
Borough. Such material will include artefacts, as well as
works of art, photographic, documentary and oral history
records. Original film footage will not be collected. The
collection will not be restricted to a particular chronological
period but will reflect the history of the game from its
establishment in Wales in the late 19th century, to the
contemporary period. The Museum Service will liase with the
National Museum of Welsh Life, the Welsh Sports Hall of
Fame and the National Library of Wales with regard to
collecting material relating to football in Wales. The Museum
Service will not collect national archives relating to football in
Wales.
3.6.2.
Military History: The Museum Service will collect military
and associated items relating to those from the Wrexham
area that served in the forces. Special note will be taken of
the role of the Royal Welch Fusiliers in both military and
town life. Liaison will be maintained with The Royal Welch
Fusiliers Regimental Museum to avoid a possible clash of
interest. Attention will also be paid to the 61st Medium
Regiment of the RA and the Denbighshire Yeomanry. The
RWF Regimental Museum in Caernarfon is also considering
the potential relocation of its reserve collections to Wrexham.
3.7.
Local Studies and Archives (see attached)
3.8.
Economic History: The wealth and character of the Wrexham area has
been built on industrial development – both urban and rural. The collection
of related artefacts forms the strength of the present collections. Particular
emphasis will be placed on the following:
3.8.1.
Coal mining: Items will be collected illustrating the
technical, social and economic developments of the coalfield
in the Wrexham area. The previous policy of Bersham
Heritage Centre included collecting in the whole of the
former Flintshire and Denbighshire coalfields. There are,
therefore, some artefacts in the collections from areas
-3-
outside the present Wrexham County Borough boundary.
Liaison will be maintained with other museum authorities
regarding these, and to make sure relevant items continue to
be collected.
3.8.2.
This policy section is of particular relevance to the possible
future development of Bersham Colliery as an interpretative
facility.
3.8.3.
Iron and Steel: Artefacts will be collected relating to the
technical, social and economic development of the iron and
steel industry in North East Wales. Bersham Ironworks, with
particular reference to the developments undertaken during
the time of the Wilkinson family’s association (1753-1812).
North East Wales sites which were associated with the
Wilkinson family. It will be necessary to liaise and agree
policy with neighbouring museum authorities, as this is a
continuation of the previous policy of Bersham Heritage
Centre and Ironworks. Collecting therefore includes areas
outside the current Wrexham County Borough boundary.
3.9.
3.8.4.
Lead Mining: Artefacts will be collected relating to the lead
mining industry of the area with particular emphasis on
Minera Lead Mines. The policy could involve collecting in
other areas of North East Wales and in these cases the
agreement of the relevant museum authority will be sought.
3.8.5.
Transport: Artefacts will be collected which relate to the
development and use of various forms of transportation, with
particular reference to canals, roads and railways.
3.8.6.
Trade Union Movement: Artefacts will be collected which
relate to the formation and development of the trade union
movement.
3.8.7.
Other locally notable industries such as: Brick, Tile and
Terracotta manufacture; Clock and Watch manufacture;
Printing and publishing; the Chemical Industry; Brewing and
public houses; Stone Quarrying, the Leather Industry and
Agriculture, including peat extraction.
3.8.8.
The technical, social and economic development of the
industries along the Clywedog Valley.
Science Collections
3.9.1.
Natural Science Collections: Whilst little has been
collected previously, if the opportunity arises birds, mammals
and other natural history items will be acquired especially for
display purposes. Geological specimens will be acquired
particularly to explain their economic importance for the
industrial development of the area (see section 8.1 below).
-4-
3.9.2.
Applied science: The Museum Service will collect items to
explain the technological and engineering significance of
local processes.
3.9.3.
Architecture: In exceptional circumstances and in
consultation with the Council’s Conservation Officer, the
Museum Service will collect architectural fragments from
locally important buildings that are threatened or are being
demolished. However, it will be the policy to encourage the
reuse of such material whenever possible.
3.10. Period of time and/or geographical area to which collecting relates
3.10.1.
As a general rule and unless otherwise stated, the area in
which the Museum Service collects items or information shall
be the area of Wrexham County Borough.
3.10.2.
Acquisitions will include artefacts used, made or owned in
the area covered by this policy, although in certain cases it
may be necessary to acquire items from outside the locality if
these are of a type which were once used in the area, but of
which no known examples survive locally. This would also
apply to items acquired for comparative purposes.
3.10.3.
Historically the collecting policy of Bersham Heritage Centre
and Ironworks has included the whole of the former Clwyd
County Council area with regard to iron and steelmaking, and
coalmining. Whilst it is not generally intended that this policy
continues, close liaison will be maintained with neighbouring
museum authorities to avoid any potential conflicts.
3.10.4.
Items will be collected from within the Wrexham County
Borough boundary, which may not have been made in the
area, but reflect the way local people lived and worked. The
same criteria will be used in assessing items that have a
general Welsh connection.
3.10.5.
In reference to the Welsh Football Collection, the Museum
Service will collect appropriate material from the whole of
Wales, as well as material relating to Welsh players playing
for non Welsh teams.
4. Limitations on collecting
4.1.
The museum recognises its responsibility, in acquiring additions to its
collections, to ensure adequate care of collections, documentation
arrangements and proper use of such collections. It will take into account
limitations on collecting imposed by such factors as inadequate staffing,
storage and care of collection arrangements.
-5-
5. Collecting policies of other museums
5.1.
The museum will take account of the collecting policies of other museums
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
specialisms, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication and waste of
resources.
5.2.
Specific reference is made to the following museums:
National Museums and Galleries of Wales
National Football Museum (England)
Museums in neighbouring Council areas
Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum
6. Policy review procedure
6.1.
The acquisition and disposal policy will be published and reviewed from time
to time, at least once every five years. The date when the policy is next due
for review is noted above.
6.2.
The Regional Agency / Area Museum Council will be notified of any changes
to the acquisition & disposal policy, and the implications of any such changes
for the future of existing collections.
7. Acquisitions not covered by the policy
7.1.
Acquisitions outside the current stated policy will only be made in very
exceptional circumstances, and then only after proper consideration by the
County Borough Council, having regard to the interests of other museums.
8. Acquisition procedures
a
The museum will not acquire, whether by purchase, gift, bequest or exchange,
any object or specimen unless the County Borough Council or responsible officer
is satisfied that the museum can acquire a valid title to the item in question, and
that in particular it 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 purpose of this paragraph “country of
origin” includes the United Kingdom).
b
Under the terms of
and preventing the
Property, which the
will reject any items
c
The museum will use the guidance on spoliation issued for non-national
museums in 2003 by Resource.
8.1.
the UNESCO 1970 Convention on the means of prohibiting
Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural
UK ratified with effect from November 1 2002, the museum
that have been illicitly traded.
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
-6-
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 (e.g. a British court in the case of a
specimen seized from a third party under the protection of Birds Acts).
8.2.
So far as British or foreign archaeological antiquities (including excavated
ceramics) are concerned in addition to the safeguards under sub paragraph
b. above, the museum will not acquire objects in any case where the County
Borough Council or responsible officer has reasonable cause to believe that
the circumstances of their recovery involved the recent unscientific or
intentional destruction or damage of ancient monuments or other known
archaeological sites, or involved a failure to disclose finds to the owner or
occupier of the land or the proper authorities in the case of possible
treasure (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) .
8.3.
Under the legal principles of Treasure Trove and bona vacantia, the
discovery of antiquities in Scotland is a matter for report to the Crown.
Scottish archaeological material will therefore not be acquired by any means
other than allocation to the museum by the Crown, normally on the advice of
the Treasure Trove Advisory Panel or the Historic Scotland Finds Disposal
Policy, unless the Curator, acting on the County Borough Council’s behalf, is
satisfied that valid title to the item in question can be acquired, such as by
certificate of ‘No Claim’ from the Treasure Trove Advisory Panel Secretariat.
9. Loan Policy
9.1.
The museum service will not normally accept material on loan unless for the
purposes of temporary exhibition or copying, or where the item is of
exceptional interest to the museum. Any loan will be agreed in writing by the
lender and the museum, including allocation of responsibilities for insurance
and transport arrangements and shall be for a specified fixed-term only,
renewable in writing. Use of the term “permanent loan” will be avoided and
items will not be accepted on this basis.
10. Disposal procedures
10.1. By definition, the museum has a long-term purpose and should possess (or
intend to acquire) permanent collections in relation to its stated objectives.
The County Borough Council accepts the principle that there is a strong
presumption against the disposal of any items in the museum’s collection
except as set out below.
10.2. In those cases where the museum is legally free to dispose of an item (if this
is in doubt, advice will be sought) it is agreed that any decision to sell or
otherwise dispose of material from the collections will be taken only after
due consideration.
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.
-7-
10.4. Decisions to dispose of items will not be made with the principle aim of
generating funds.
10.5. Once a decision to dispose of an item has been taken, priority will be given
to retaining the item within the public domain and with this in view it will be
offered first, by exchange, gift or sale to Registered Museums before
disposal to other interested individuals or organisations is considered.
10.6. The museum community at large will be advised of the intention to dispose
of the material. This will normally be through an announcement in the
Museums Association’s Museums Journal and other appropriate professional
journals if appropriate.
10.7. The announcement will indicate the number and nature of specimens or
objects involved, and the basis on which the material will be transferred to
another institution. A period of at least two months will be allowed for an
interest in acquiring the material to be expressed.
10.8. A decision to dispose of a specimen or object, whether by exchange, gift or
destruction (in the case of an item too badly damaged or deteriorated to be
of any use for the purposes of the collections) will be the responsibility of the
governing body of the museum acting on the advice of professional
curatorial staff, if any, and not of the curator of the collection acting alone.
10.9. 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 19: Deaccession & disposal.
10.10. Any monies received by the museum governing body from the disposal of
items will be applied for the benefit of the collection. This normally means
the purchase of further acquisitions but in exceptional cases improvements
relating to the care of collections may be justifiable. Advice on these cases
will be sought from Resource.
11. Human remains
11.1. The County Borough Council, acting on the advice of the museum’s
professional staff, may take a decision to return human remains, objects or
specimens to a country or people of origin. The museum will take such
decisions on a case by case basis, within its legal position and taking into
account all ethical implications.
-8-