Donate an Object

The National Media Collection comprises over 3.5 million objects, and our archives hold an abundance of culturally and historically significant items.

Though we have a vast and comprehensive Collection you may have an item in your possession which you think might be of interest to the Museum and which you would like to offer for accession into the Collection.

If so, please contact us in advance in writing or by email, supplying as much information as you can. It would be helpful if you can include a photograph of the item with your description.

Before you contact us, please be aware that:

• The Museum does not normally accept items on long-term loan.
• Items will not be accepted with specific conditions attached.
• Hazardous items*  will not be accepted unless there are compelling and legitimate reasons.

Object Donations c/o Stephanie Adamson, Assistant to Heads of Public Programmes and Collections & Knowledge
Address: National Media Museum, Bradford, BD1 1NQ
Email: stephanie.adamson@nationalmediamuseum.org.uk
We will endeavour to respond to your enquiry within 12 weeks.

What happens if we accept your item?

If your item is accepted, it will be stored in our archives with appropriate environmental conditions for the care and management of the Collection.

It may be drawn upon for special exhibitions or lent for exhibition at other accredited institutions. It will also be available for research purposes by our curators and visitors using Insight: Collections & Research Centre.

Your item may be more useful as part of our 'handling' selection. In which case, we will ask your permission to add it to this valuable Museum resource rather than accession it to the Collection.

What if we do not accept your item?

We are not able to accept everything that is offered to us and if we do not accept your item, please do not be offended – it may be due to one of the following reasons:

• We already have a similar item in our Collection.
• The item does not meet the criteria of our Collecting Policy.
• The item is not in good condition.
• There is not enough information about the history of the item.

If your item is not suitable for either our Collection or handling selection, we will try to advise you of another institution which may be interested.

* E.g. firearms; objects containing asbestos; explosive, flammable, poisonous, potentially carcinogenic or radioactive material.