Gathering the Objects

There are over 400 objects going into the new Brent Museum which will open in The Library at Willesden Green next summer. From carpet beaters to milk carts and armour to art work they all need to be assessed before moving to their new home. Some of these objects were on display in the old museum but some of them have never been on display before. Every single object needs to be located and checked carefully before it can be packed up to go into the new museum. Checking 400 object obviously takes time and that is why we are starting now even before the building is finished. 

One of our main tools for locating and assessing objects is our online database. This database is run through a program called Adlib which has been specifically designed for the needs of Museums and Archives. We can access a lot of information behind the scenes on Adlib including information linked to security and data protection such as people’s names and contact details and the exact location of the objects. When dealing with the new museum objects the first step is to check Adlib to see what information might be missing such as images, accurate descriptions and measurements. Once we have located the objects we can then start gathering this missing information.

 

Once located we make sure the items will be alright on permanent display and consider any conditions they might need. They may need low light levels or cases with low humidity. We also look to see if they require any professional conservation although we can do basic cleaning ourselves with guidance from professional conservators. We then measure the objects and take images of them. We also mark objects with their unique numbers if they do not already have them.

 

This is a long process but in the end it will mean with have accurate up to date information on every object on permanent display. This will help us in the future when we have enquiries from the public, when other museum might want to borrow objects from us and also makes accessible these objects to people all over the world who perhaps are unable to make it to Brent to see the objects themselves.