COLLECTION FOR A NATION - THE FRIENDS OF CEREDIGION MUSEUM
The Collection for a Nation feasibility study was the second stage of a three-stage forward plan ‘Transformations’ which will improve sustainability and increase public access to collections which are of regional importance, to involve the communities in events and activities and develop their skills, and thus support local economic, social and environmental sustainability.
The collections (over 60,000 items) represent all aspects of Ceredigion’s rich history and culture from prehistory to the present day, but approximately 80% are not on display or safely housed in accessible storage. The Friends of Ceredigion Museum aims to keep the culture and heritage of our historic county of Ceredigion alive by developing, preserving and interpreting these collections.
The Collection for a Nation appointed consultants to undertake a study in order to identify and review options and produce a detailed report on design, work plans and potential funding by examining numerous issues including improving physical, digital and intellectual access to the collections, enhancing opportunities for lifelong learning and community engagement and improving 'collection care' to safeguard Ceredigion's heritage for the well-being of future generations.
The report includes:
- Results of a consultation exercise to identify community expertise in themes represented in the collection i.e. individuals and special interest groups such as quilting clubs, local history groups, railway enthusiasts, agriculture and maritime interests.
- Methodology for a full audit and significance (local and national) assessment of Ceredigion Museum’s collections, with community input, to identify the potential for rationalisation of the collection, in order to, better focus resources on improved community access and facilities for research and interpretation.
- Methodology for improving documentation and digital access to the collection to enable wider community engagement
- Estimations of space requirements for each collection group
- Expert advice on specific storage and environmental conditions required by each collection group to establish the basis for good collection care, with reference to relevant standards.
To view the final report, please click here.
This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
Further Reading
