Caring for Archives and Works on Paper
This workshop is aimed at general museum staff and volunteers who care for paper objects such as books, maps, archives, photographs, prints, posters, sketchbooks, watercolours and framed works. The day will include practical sessions covering handling, storage and preventative conservation (upkeep and housekeeping).
The session with cover:
- Identification of different paper objects
- How to handle a wide variety of objects including rolled maps, books and flat objects such as photographs, posters and prints
- Storage and packing solutions for different paper-based objects including how to make storage envelopes and folders and labelling and marking
- Advice and tips on environmental monitoring, everyday preservation of objects museum staff and volunteers can carry out, including dusting
- There will be an emphasis on greener collection care throughout the day.
There will also be the opportunity for a tour of Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre building itself which is the UK’s first archival storage building to be built to the rigorous Passivhaus standard.
About the trainers:
The workshop will be led jointly by Liz Bowerman ACR, Senior Conservator at Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre and Emily O’Reilly ACR, Freelance Paper Conservator. Emily O’Reilly is an Accredited Conservator and a Fellow of the International Institute of Conservation, she has worked for national museums and art collections including the National Trust on a wide variety of paper objects.
Caring for Archives and Works on Paper
Wednesday 13 March, 10.30am-4.30pm
Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre, Hereford HR2 6LA
Getting Your House in Order – Loans In and Loans Out
Good collections documentation enables use of your collections and ensures that your museum is properly accountable for the collections it holds.
West Midlands Museum Development (WMMD) is partnering with Museum Development East Midlands (MDEM) and Collections Trust to deliver Getting Your House In Order, a programme of seven workshops across 23/24 to support you in ensuring that your collections documentation is well managed.
This is the fifth workshops in the series and will explore the Spectrum 5.1 procedures for borrowing and lending objects:
- Loans In – managing objects you borrow for a fixed period of time and for a specific purpose
- Loans Out – assessing requests for you to lend your objects and managing the lending process until loans are returned to you
We will review the policy considerations, requirements, and guidance for both procedures, discussing how this is approached by attendees.
There will opportunities to discuss with colleagues, ask questions throughout and submit questions in advance.
By the end of the session, delegates will:
- Understand the role of the Spectrum standard, and its supporting guidance, in relation to museum Accreditation
- Understand policy considerations for borrowing and lending
- Understand the Spectrum requirements for Loans In and Loans Out
- Know where to find more information and guidance
Before the session:
- Think about how you do things in your museum, referring to your museum’s policy and procedures related to borrowing and lending collections. You might also find it useful to have these with you to refer to during the session
- Please check that you have a working microphone, for discussions
Getting Your House In Order – Loans In and Loans Out
Tuesday 23 January 2024, 2PM-4PM
Online
If you can’t see the booking button, this event is fully booked. To join the waiting list please email wmmd@ironbridge.org.uk
Managing Museum and Archive Collections Together
Join West Midlands Museum Development (WMMD), Museum Development East Midlands (MDEM) and The National Archives (TNA) for a workshop exploring how to manage both museum and archive collections.
The course will:
- help museum and archive managers to understand more about effective management of mixed (museum and archive) collections
- demonstrate where managing archives and museums are similar and where there are differences
- highlight how both Accreditation schemes run alongside each other and can dovetail
- demonstrate how a complete mixed collection can be managed using the best of each sector
- highlight the TNA ‘Managing Mixed Collections’ guidance and AIM ‘Successfully Managing Archives in Museums’ guidance
This workshop is aimed at museum professionals managing services with mixed collections, and museum staff and volunteers with collections management responsibilities.
The course will be a mix of presentation, case studies, discussion and breakout rooms including the use of Mentimeter. Please ensure that you can access Mentimeter alongside Zoom on your device, or bring along a second device, so that you can join the discussions on the day. You will also be asked to bring an object or document along with you to help form the basis of discussions in the break-out sessions.
About the trainer
Janice Tullock is an Archives and Heritage consultant, working with archive services, museums and organisations outside the cultural sector, to manage collections and develop audiences for services. In 2021 she was lead consultant on the development of The National Archives guidance, Managing Mixed Collections. Janice is a member of the Archives Accreditation Committee and an expert mentor on behalf of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Maximum two delegates per organisation. Priority will be given to delegates from non-NPO and non-National museums in the East and West Midlands which are Accredited or officially Working Towards Accreditation.
Accessibility
This online event will be auto-captioned by Zoom. If you would benefit from live captioning or any other form of access support, please answer ‘yes’ to the access requirements question on the booking form and email the MDEM team as early as possible stating the support you require.
Data Sharing
This event is run in partnership by WMMD, MDEM, TNA and Janice Tullock. Bookings are being coordinated by MDEM and the event will be hosted by Janice on her Zoom account. By booking onto this event you give permission to share your booking information with the event partners for the purpose of the event administration. View MDEM’s privacy policy
All participants will receive an email containing a Zoom link to the training prior to the event. The email will be sent to the email address used for booking. If you have not received an email the day before the event please contact MDEM.
Managing Museum and Archive Collections Together
Wednesday 28 February 2024, 10am-12.30pm
Online (Zoom)
First Steps in Collections Disposal
Does your collection include objects that aren’t used or seen, or might be irrelevant to your museum’s mission?
Have you heard about disposal but feel overwhelmed by the task?
Join this session for practical insight and support with collections review and disposal.
The workshop will provide a simple overview of what collections rationalisation and disposal entails. We will explore common issues including how to start, how to make decisions about duplicate items, and what to do with objects whose ownership or history is unclear.
With a focus on smaller and volunteer-led museums the practical examples will reassure and inspire you to take the first steps towards decluttering your stores and further develop the confidence to talk about disposal with your audiences and stakeholders.
The session is led by collections consultant Dr Jenny Durrant, a sector leader in disposal practice and its communication, and a member of the Museums Association Ethics Committee.
The event will be delivered via Zoom using a range of exercises and interactive features including Polls, Chat and Breakout Rooms. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and actively participate in discussion. If you have any concerns about accessibility or usability for these features please contact wmmd@ironbridge.org.uk
Maximum two delegates per organisation. Priority will be given to delegates from non-NPO and non-National museums in the West Midlands which are Accredited or officially Working Towards Accreditation.
Accessibility
This event will be auto-captioned through Zoom. If you would benefit from any other form of access support, including live captioning, please answer ‘yes’ to the access requirements question on the booking form and email the WMMD team as early as possible stating the support you require.
All participants will receive an email containing a Zoom link to the training prior to the event. The email will be sent to the email address used for booking. If you have not received an email the day before the event please contact us.
First Steps in Collections Disposal
Wednesday 21 February, 10am-12.30pm
Online
If you can’t see the booking button, this event is fully booked. To join the waiting list please email wmmd@ironbridge.org.uk
Developing Co-curation, Collaborative Working and Embedding Diversity
Join us for an insightful in person workshop looking at collections-based co-curation.
The morning will focus on the innovative Embedding Diversity in our Collections programme at Walsall with Julie Brown, Collections Curator, including Here and Queer and Pride and Priviledge. Jon Sleigh, Freelance Learning Curator Consultant will be speaking about engaging new communities and legacy. The day will also include a tour of the current Class Act display by members of the community panel.
The afternoon presentations will focus on two case studies: Collecting Home at Royal Crown Derby with Alison Solomon and Dr Elizabeth Woledge and Creative Placemaking and public programming at the Royal Shakespeare Company Collection with Robyn Greenwood. There will be opportunity within a practical session for you to think about how you might approach co-curation in your museum.
Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Bookings close: 12noon, Thursday 9 November
Maximum two delegates per organisation. Priority will be given to delegates from non-NPO and non-National museums in the West Midlands which are Accredited or officially Working Towards Accreditation.
Accessibility
The event will be held at The New Art Gallery Walsall. Visit the New Art Gallery Walsall website for access information
If you would benefit from any adjustment or support for accessibility, please answer ‘yes’ to the access requirements question on the booking form and email the WMMD team as early as possible stating the support you require.
Dietary requirements
Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please let us know any allergies or dietary requirements on the booking form when you book your place.
Developing Co-curation, Collaborative Working and Embedding Diversity
Tuesday 21 November, 11am-4pm
The New Art Gallery Walsall, Gallery Square WS2 8LG
If you can’t see the booking button, this event is now fully booked.
Using Handling Collections with Schools
Explore the principles and benefits of using museum artefacts to engage schools visiting your museum site or collection. The session will include practical advice as well as discussion on innovative ways of engaging pupils with your objects and how to encourage questioning and enquiry through hands on, discovery-based learning.
Delegates will be asked to bring an object or image of an object they are considering using with schools (either for a formal learning or object handling session) for general discussion.
The event will be facilitated by Mary Sibson, Creative Learning Officer for Creative Learning Services.
The event will also include time to explore The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum and a tour of the current Dippy the Diplodocus exhibition with The Herbert Learning Team.
Maximum two delegates per organisation. Priority will be given to delegates from non-NPO and non-National museums in the West Midlands which are Accredited or officially Working Towards Accreditation. This event is being delivered in partnership with Museum Development East Midlands. Museums based in East Midlands can book their place here
Dietary Requirements
Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please let us know any allergies or dietary requirements on the booking form when you book your place.
Accessibility
Find more information about accessibility at The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum please click here.
If you would benefit from any adjustment or support for accessibility, please answer ‘yes’ to the access requirements question on the booking form and email the WMMD team as early as possible with the adjustment you require.
Using Handling Collections with Schools
Tuesday 10 October, 11am-3pm
The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry CV1 5QP
If you can’t see the booking button this event is fully booked. To join the waiting list please email wmmd@ironbridge.org.uk
An Introduction to Greener Collections Care
This in person event is aimed at staff and volunteers whose role includes collections moves for exhibitions, displays, collection management and storage. It will consider how you can introduce greener approaches to your practice including the use of sustainable materials for packing, recycling, creating and monitoring stable environments in stores and showcases and the benefits of LED lighting
The workshop will be led by Jane Thompson Webb, an accredited conservator and Conservation Team Leader at Birmingham Museums Trust. This will be followed with a tour of the newly re-organised Ceramics and Fine Art Stores at Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum and the opportunity to view the de-installing of their current exhibition.
The store tours will finish at 1.30pm allowing time for networking and lunch (not included) in the museum café if desired. The museum is open until 4pm so you could visit the main gallery for Water, water everywhere, which explores the history of swimming in the building.
Places are limited, maximum two delegates per organisation. Priority will be given to delegates from non-NPO and non-National museums in the West Midlands which are Accredited or officially Working Towards Accreditation.
Dietary requirements
Refreshments will be provided. Please let us know any allergies or dietary requirements on the booking form.
Accessibility
The event will be held in the Craft Studio at Leamington Spa Museum and Art Gallery. You can view their Accessibility Guides here.
If you would benefit from access support, please answer ‘yes’ to the access requirements question on the booking form and email the WMMD team as early as possible stating the support you require.
If you can’t see the booking button the course is fully booked. If you would like to join the waiting list please email wmmd@ironbridge.org.uk
An Introduction to Greener Collections Care
Tuesday 12 September, 10am-1.30pm
Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, Royal Pump Rooms, The Parade CV32 4AA
Introduction to Subject Specialist Networks
Could your museum benefit from expert advice on a particular area of your collection?
Have you ever wondered what a Subject Specialist Network is?
This workshop will introduce Subject Specialist Networks (SSNs) and how could they help you with your collection.
SSNs share professional advice, support and expertise within their specific specialist areas with anyone working with collections. There are now over 50 SSNs covering a huge range of subject fields, from British Portraiture to Human Remains. Some even offer grants to support your work.
Discover more about the different networks and how you might tap into the huge amount of SSN expertise available to benefit your collections. You may even be inspired to join a network yourself.
The event will include case studies with guest speakers, Aysha Afridi, Senior Manager, Arts Council England and Justine Reilly, Chair of SSN Consortium, Director at Sporting Heritage and The Neurodiverse Museum and other SSN representatives.
Maximum two delegates per organisation. Priority will be given to delegates from non-NPO and non-National museums in the West Midlands which are Accredited or officially Working Towards Accreditation.
This event will be auto-captioned through Zoom. If you would benefit from any other form of access support, including live captioning, please answer ‘yes’ to the access requirements question on the booking form and email the WMMD team as early as possible stating the support you require.
All participants will receive an email containing a Zoom link to the training prior to the event. The email will be sent to the email address used for booking. If you have not received an email the day before the event please contact us.
If you can’t see the booking button this event is fully booked. To join the waiting list please email wmmd@ironbridge.org.uk
Introduction to Subject Specialist Networks
Thursday 7 September, 10am-12.30pm
Online
Preservation of Photographic Materials Session: Photographic Processes and their Problems
This event from the Photographic Collection Network (a Subject Specialist Network) is looking at different types of photographs that can be found in museum or archive collection and what preservation problems may occur.
Find out more and book Preservation of Photographic Materials
Preservation of Photographic Materials Session: Photographic Processes and their Problems
Tuesday 16 May, 1pm-2.45pm
Online
Inventory and Documentation Planning
This is the fourth of seven workshops delivered by West Midlands Museum Development (WMMD) in partnership with Museum Development East Midlands and Collections Trust to support you in ensuring that your collections documentation is well managed.
This session will explore the potential steps and considerations involved when undertaking an inventory project, using the Spectrum 5.1 Inventory procedure as a framework.
What is the difference between the Inventory and Audit procedures? What information do you need to meet the requirements for the Inventory procedure? How can you create a realistic documentation plan to address inventory projects?
By the end of the session, delegates will:
- Understand the role of the Spectrum standard, and its supporting guidance, in relation to museum Accreditation
- Understand the Spectrum requirements for the Inventory procedure
- Understand policy related to Inventory
- Know how to develop a realistic plan to address gaps in inventory information
- Know where to find more information and guidance
Before the session:
Think about how you do things in your museum, referring to your in-house procedural manual if you have access to it. You might also find it useful to have it with you to refer to during the session.
Maximum two delegates per organisation.
This event will be auto-captioned through Zoom. If you would benefit from any other form of access support, including live captioning, please answer ‘yes’ to the access requirements question on the booking form and email the WMMD team as early as possible stating the support you require.
All participants will receive an email containing a Zoom link to the training prior to the event. The email will be sent to the email address used for booking. If you have not received an email the day before the event please contact us.
If you can’t see the booking button the event is fully booked. If you would like to join the waiting list please mailto:wmmd@ironbridge.org.uk
Inventory and Documentation Planning
Thursday 12 October, 10am-12noon
Online
