Making our collections more accessible…

There are different types of access for requested objects:

• Visiting an exhibition with object(s) on display or online exhibition.

• Special Request to visit exhibition outside of opening hours. (for example, international visitors unable to attend normal opening times).

• Ask for a digital copy.*

• Visit by appointment of stored collections.

• Visit a planned bookable tour (request to see item on tour in advance) - see 'Tours and Groups' guidance below.

• Request a Loan of an object (i.e. for an exhibition) - see 'Loans Out' guidance below.

• Request a bespoke tour.*

*Costs may apply for digitisation or staff time.

• The Museum's Collections Officer will judge requests to examine objects on a case-by-case basis and may refuse access.

• Decisions will be based on the nature of the research, the condition of object(s), the availability of object(s), and any legal, ethical or health and safety reasons. Access that may result in harm to an object will be refused.

• We will always share the reasons why access can not be granted. These object(s) will influence future digitisation and conservation projects to improve access.

• Due to lack of space, there may be restrictions on examining larger or heavier objects.

• Removal of items from display for research access will require formal letter from relevant institution.

• The number of object(s) requested will be determined on a case by case basis by the Collections Officer.

• We do not share or give opinions on valuations of object(s). Valuations are only sought for insurance purposes and information is kept secure with limited staff access due to security risks.

• Access will be granted via Research Room, where possible. If access can only be given via storage areas, some areas are not step-free in a fire evacuation.

• Photography permission must be granted in advance of visit. The Museum may refuse photography for reasons such as light sensitivity and copyright.

• Identification must be supplied on day of access. Identification types accepted are passport, driving license (full/provisional), Biometric Residence Permits (identify card for foreign nationals) and ID cards with PASS accreditation logo.

• Access to storage areas can require more staff and preparation work such as unpacking and condition checking. Due to size of the team this may result in longer waiting time, we aim to book in appointments within 30 days from enquiry.

• Staff reserve the right to terminate the research visit at any time.

• If Photography permission is granted. No fee will be charged for photographs taken for private research purposes. Should publication be considered, see 'Publication & Copyright' below.

Please note that the following is not available for access:

• Oral History cassette tapes (undigitised) due to fragility of tape. The Museum is actively seeking funding to get more digitised for preservation and better access. In 2024 we were able to get 100 cassettes digitised and others are prioritised in our Collections Care and Conservation Plan.

• Objects with Hazards that require specialised handling and display cases. For instance objects with asbestos with handling/movement limitations.

• Art works requiring movement to gain access AND are requiring conservation work and/or art movement specialists.

• Loans to the Museum due return imminently (this does not include Lender) or with access restrictions set by Lender.

• Loaned Out. If on Loan we will direct you to the institution it is being exhibited by.

• Object(s) currently in the process of receiving conservation treatment.

• Object(s) currently on display can not be removed during opening hours.

• Human Remains access is restricted to specialist researchers only. In line with Ethics of storing Human Remains and Human Remains Policy. All other requests will be rejected. (Written References may be required.)

An application via the form below must be made to the Museum.

Applicants will be asked to:

• state the nature of their research

• the names and reference numbers of object(s) (if known)

• give access requirements

• agree to Museum Access policy (as listed above)

• bring ID on day of access

• be prepared to give written references (if required - see restricted access information)

Next steps on access:

• we will assess the application, give permission and outline any restrictions. We aim to get you an appointment within 30 days.

• appointments to examine objects are during Collections Officer working days (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm).

• applicants must inform us is they are likely to be accompanied by another person. Access is restricted to two. See 'Tours and Group Visits' for larger numbers.

All access visits to stored collections are via appointment.

• Staff supervise all visits and handling is not permitted with majority of collections. In some cases we may permit handling and will supply gloves, as needed.

• No Photography or scanning is permitted without advance permission and can be refused on day. Permission is judged on case-by-case basis carefully considering preservation and copyright.

• Slots for viewing are normally limited to an hour dependent on number of object(s) or type of object.

If requesting to borrow object(s) please email us at museum@croydon.gov.uk

The Loan Out process requires:

1. agreement of availability with Collections Officer.

2. special conditions of object display discussed in writing (if any).

3. If available and special conditions (if any) are accepted. Borrower to complete and send UKRG Reports.

If you wish to view stored collections for research purposes as part of a tour or group.

• For more then two people a bespoke group visit should be arranged.*

• Consider attending a pre-programmed tour. Our 'Behind the Scenes' tours will be advertised on our 'What's On' page and social channels. Once booked, you can request to view a stored object(s) as part of the booked tour via the form on this page. (All requests are subject to the same rules and restrictions as set on this page's access policy). We will do our best to accommodate all requests.

• We do not run regular 'stored collection' tours. We continue to aim to do open house FREE annual tours in September and we hope to increase other tours through year.

• We do run bespoke tours for groups of exhibition and stored areas. (subject to availability). Costs will apply.

If wishing to publish images of object(s) in our collection*. Please email us at museum@croydon.gov.uk

• We can give permission to use our images that are out of copyright or copyright held by us. If copyright is unknown or held by another we will make you aware.

• If you decide to publish an image with unknown copyright or copyright held by another. The Museum does not accept any costs as a result of copyright infringements, including but not limited to legal costs, criminal penalties or fines.

• For object(s) out of copyright AND images supplied to us. We will ask for you to us to use the following: 'Courtesy of Museum of Croydon ref: [object reference number]'.

• Note that many of our contemporary artworks with living artists have restrictions on use of copyright. (i.e. for educational and non -commercial use.) This protects the artist's rights.

• The Museum greatly appreciates any offer of donation of publication's featuring Museum object(s) to its object-related information folders/library.

*Costs may apply.

Access to object-related information can include object history files and transcriptions.

The access rules for these items are:

• access supervised by staff, as appropriate.

• applicants should include this request in first contact form.

In some circumstances we may refer you to the Croydon Archives which has the Borough Archives and Local studies collection. This collection compliments the Museum's permanent collection.

Applicants should be from a recognised institution OR higher education or provide an acceptable written reference on need to access.

This will require:

• 2 months notice

• an initial meeting with Collections Officer

• handing training for visitor (if required)