Collections
Artefacts
The Heritage Service is home to a collection of more than 25,000
artefacts, housed at the three museums. Although many examples of
the collection are on display, we also provide access to our
reserve collections for personal or professional research. Visitors
are welcome to come 'behind the scenes' to study this material free
of charge, but an appointment must be made.
We are always looking to add in a structured way to the
collections and welcome approaches in this regard. As with many
museums we have limitations on the space that is available to store
material, so we are unable to take some material which we are
offered, but we would like the opportunity to say 'no thank you'.
We do have a small budget for purchasing artefacts.
Full details about the collection are contained in the
Acquisition and Disposal Policy
The Helena Thompson Museum and Keswick Museum house a
substantial quantity of library and archive material together with
a considerable quantity of maps, newspaper cuttings and dossiers.
Access is by appointment only. There is no charge for educational
or personal interest. If you are unable to visit in person,
telephone or write to us and we may be able to undertake the
research for you.
Photographs
The Service has an extensive historic photographic collection
that is largely held in the form of prints, and glass slides. We
are currently working to make the collection more accessible, and
approximately 25% of the collection is referenced in a public
catalogue. Please contact the office for more details and the
current price list for copies.
Enquiries
Enquiries on all collection related subjects should be directed
in the first instance in the form of a letter to the individual
Museum.
Identifications
Museum Staff will endeavour to identify any mystery object you
may have. Simply leave the object at the Museum and obtain a
receipt. You will be contacted when the identification is complete.
Staff do not give valuations but can advise members of the public
how to obtain one, or how to investigate the possibility of having
a work conserved, if appropriate.