Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Place.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the Royal Albert Memorial Museum Collections Development Policy 2026-30.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report to approve a new Collections Development Policy for the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) to cover the years 2026 to 2030. Members noted that the Collections Development Policy required Council approval as a requirement of Museum Accreditation, which was a UK standard to enable museums to apply for major investment from Arts Council England and other funding bodies.

Particular reference was made to:

·        the policy, together with the forward plan for the RAMM, formed key components of Arts Council accreditation;

·        the policy was comprehensive and set out how the museum acquired and managed its collections as well as the circumstances under which individual items may be disposed of;

·        the RAMM held over 1 million objects, but only 1% were on display at any time, highlighting extensive behind the scenes work;

·        collections dated back to around the 1860s, with some items of outstanding historical and cultural importance; and

·        the policy also highlighted the RAMM as a unique and valuable resource for the city and future generations.

During the discussion, Executive Members raised the following points and questions:-

·        the strong focus on acquiring materials and artefacts from Devon and the local area and emphasis on ethical standards in collection management was commended;

·        it was enquired whether disposal processes involved both sales and gifting and if income from disposals were anticipated;

·        the RAMM was a regionally significant museum and custodian of national and international history and culture and the responsible approach to collection care and acquisitions was praised;

·        having clearly defined criteria for what the RAMM would not collect was also important;

·        the inclusion of a formal repatriation policy was an important and sensitive area; and

·        the intentions to acquire items reflecting Exeter’s multi-faith society and LGBTQ+ community was commended.

The Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture & Tourism endorsed the policy and commended the detailed work in identifying the rationale and disposal opportunities across 10 broad categories. He also highlighted the importance of legal and ethical frameworks.

In response to questions raised, the Collections & Content Manager advised that the first preference for disposal was to transfer to another public organisation and any selling of objects being a last resort. Any funds from sales were reinvested into the museum and disposal was not intended to generate financial benefit for the organisation.

The Leader moved the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Foale, voted upon, and CARRIED unanimously.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the Royal Albert Memorial Museum Collections Development Policy 2026-30.