What We Collect
Hull Museums and the Ferens Art Gallery, like many other museums and galleries in the UK, have to follow strict national guidelines by having a written policy for which objects we are allowed to collect. We have hundreds of thousands of items in our collections across eight sites, all of which require gallery display or storage space, documentation, photography/scanning and conservation, and so taking in more objects has to be very carefully considered. The only reasons for accepting new objects are: Significant gaps in the collections Research or educational potential Important local significance where these are not already represented Each museum site has an individual list of what it will consider. These are as follows: FERENS ART GALLERY Portraits Maritime Paintings European Old Masters with emphasis on Dutch and Flemish 17th century works 19th and 20th century British works Contemporary collecting focusing on photography and new media Sculpture HULL & EAST RIDING MUSEUM Archaeological material illustrating human activity in the Hull and East Riding region Archaeological material relating to Hull Citadel (up to late 17th century) Natural history will only be collected in very exceptional circumstances HANDS ON HISTORY MUSEUM Coins, medallions, tokens and medals, if of unique importance 20th century male costume, specifically relating to Hull Women's costume dating to the 1940s, specifically relating to Hull Madame Clapham costume made in Hull Items relating to the Old Grammar School HULL MARITIME MUSEUM Whaling items if not already represented in collections, with strong links to Hull Original photographs of vessels and crew relating to Hull Artefacts linked to Hull's contribution to north and south pole expeditions Professionally made models of boats and ships with strong link to Hull Paintings of Hull's maritime heritage. Only in exceptional circumstances Significant items relating to Hull's fishing industry and decline, after 1970. Artefacts relating to Hull's merchant shipping, docks and dockers Items relating to maritime migration through Hull, especially 19th century objects Ship building artefacts relating to Hull (not plans) Artefacts relating to local gunsmiths, but only if unique STREETLIFE MUSEUM Carriages. Only in very exceptional circumstances, with local significance Motor cars. Only in very exceptional circumstances, with local significance Street furniture with direct local provenance and only in exceptional circumstances Items relating to Amy Johnson (East Riding Museums must be consulted first) WILBERFORCE HOUSE MUSEUM Hull silver dating from 17th century. High quality and identified maker Genuine 18th and 19th century anti-slavery items, particularly relating to specific individuals Contemporary slavery items on a case by case basis Social history items of high importance with strong local connections SPURN LIGHTSHIP Items not currently represented on the ship, to complete the displays Personal histories of individuals who worked on board the ship, but only unique experiences HULL GUILDHALL This is now a closed collection, so offers will no longer be accepted. If you think that you have an object that you wish to donate that fits with the above requirements, please contact us on 01482 613902, or email museums@hcandl.co.uk. If you could send us a photograph of your object that would be very helpful.
