New barrier between bricks and play area

In August we welcomed Sian Moore, of Brakemoore Ltd, to the museum to conduct a conservation audit. Sian is an ICON-registered conservator specialising in the industrial heritage of Britain and the conservation and restoration of large objects. This fantastic opportunity was made possible by an AIM (Association of Independent Museums) Pilgrim Trust Collection Care Audit.

The audit process started with a detailed review of the museum’s plans, policies and procedures and a phone call between Mary and Sian. Sian then made the journey from Wales to Swanwick for one day; a lot had to be squeezed into 7 hours. We started with a meeting in the library and archive area, joined by several volunteers, before going on a thorough tour of the whole museum. This included both display and storage areas, and various aspects of the collection from bricks to steam engines, barrows to books.

Earlier this month we received the report from Sian, detailing her observations (both good and bad), and a plan of improvements we can make. We have already started to implement changes where this can be done with existing resources. Examples include making rope barriers around the brick displays and putting a barrier between the children’s play area and the exhibition upstairs. For other improvements further external funding will need to be found. This audit is such a useful document for our planning of collections care, it directly supports our Museum Accreditation return and will help us to apply for future grants. We’re very grateful to AIM, the Pilgrim Trust and Sian Moore for their help and support.

Supported by a grant from the AIM Pilgrim Trust Collections Care Scheme.