Thank you for your Loan!

If you have received a link to this page then your loan return is either ready or due to be ready soon.

This page includes forms to organise return and FAQS. Any further questions, please contact museum@croydon.gov.uk.

This page is for individuals and institutions who have objects on active loan to the Museum of Croydon for the following exhibitions:

Rewind: This is Croydon’s Music Heritage (9th February 2024 - 21st December 2024 [extended])

Thank you so much for your kind loan to the Museum’s Rewind exhibition.

The exhibition was a wonderful success, launching on Thursday 8th February 2024 with over 130 visitors attending the opening. The total visitor figures reached is 6,784.

We have been able to create music programming and family activities inspired by the objects and content. This includes:

  •  ‘Music Stories and Craft’ Feb Half-Term. Total participants - 99

  • ‘Music Makers’ Easter Holiday Craft. Total participants – 74

  • Croydon Music and Arts Carnival. Total participants – 89

  • Dementia, Art and Joy session. Total participants –12

We were overwhelmed with the generosity of local residents and businesses with lending objects and sharing their stories. Over 40 oral histories were collected as part of this exhibition and project, as well as objects, which now all sit in the Museum’s permanent collections.

We are so sad to see your loans leave us but sadly the time has arrived as we prepare for a new exhibition in Spring! Thank you again for creating such a vibrant exhibition with us and showcasing the importance and rich history of music here in Croydon.

Please complete the form below to arrange return (or if interested there is also an option to donate):

‘Then’ to ‘Now’ galleries (2006-2020)

In 2006 the Museum of Croydon was launched (previously known as Lifetimes) with a new permanent exhibition exploring Croydon’s history from 1800s to a temporary exhibition space called ‘NOW’. The design by Fashion Architecture Taste went on to win Best Museum/Exhibition Space at the FX Design Awards in 2007.

In 2020 we began the process of returning Loans. With 73% of the exhibition objects being loans and after many delays, including Covid-19, this has been a slow process. However, many objects have already made their way home and many more will be returning in 2025.

Thank you so much for your patience. Please note that all loans while still at the Museum of Croydon will be covered by our insurance and automatically extended until they are returned.

Please can you complete the form to arrange return (or if interested there is also an option to donate)

FAQS

  • In each form there is an option to select that you would be interested in donating the object.

    Steps:

    • Following the form we will get back in touch with you and ask you to fill out a transfer of title form. This form includes all terms and conditions and will transfer ownership.

    Thank you for considering an offer of donation.

    (Please note: we are unable to accept all offers of donations, as they must be in line with our Collections Development Policy.)

  • Objects can only be entered and accessioned into the Museum’s permanent collections if they fit our Collections Development Policy.

    Reasons for not being able to collect may include, but not limited to; not being a strong link to Croydon or duplication in collection.

    Why would we have something on loan that is not related to Croydon? Its rare but we have had objects support a powerful oral history but have no link to Croydon. For example a WW2 gas mask.

  • We will do every effort to make contact via details provided for loan in:

    • Email (read / receipt)

    • Post (recorded delivery)

    • Phone (date / time noted)

    As we have historic loans from the 1990s we may find that an individual has moved or is deceased. Where possible we will find next of kin. For institutions we will contact the equilivant position.

    In all circumstances we will follow the terms on the signed loan documents first. Followed by our wider policy. This includes that if a person is uncontactable for 6 months, we will (if meeting our collecting policy) accession the object into the permanent collection.

    If the object(s) do not fit our policy we will dispose. Disposal can include, but is not limited to, transfer to handling collection, transfer to other museum/institution to the last option scrap through ethical destruction. Disposal is considered at 12 months.

    To prevent considerable storage costs and staff time over those 6-12 months we ask that you make contact with us, even if brief. Thank you.

  • Unfortunately we are unable to store loaned objects long-term/permanently. This is partially due to their current location, many are housed in galleries which are due to undergo refurbishment or new exhibitions. In addition our policies do not allow for loans for items in storage.

    We will discuss a reasonable time frame to organise return.

  • In the first instance we will be following the completed loan forms’ agreed return process, as signed by Lender and Borrower.

    We ask that all local (or those in reasonable distance London/Surrey) collect loans, if possible.

    If you have changed preference of return and it is at no additional cost we will be able to accommodate this. Please use form to select preference.

  • Please contact us at museum@croydon.gov.uk FAO Registrar/Collections Officer.