Object Donations

Donating objects to Crewe Heritage Centre

Thank you for thinking about donating your object to Crewe Heritage Centre. To make sure we are in the best position to care for our collection, we can only accept items that relate to Crewe or the history of railways in Crewe.

If you think you have an object that you would like to donate to our collection, please email the Collection Management Committee - collection@crewehc.co.uk.

Please provide as much information about the object as possible including a picture, description, and the condition and size of the object.

We aim to let donors know the outcome of their offers within a 3-month period.

 

Please be aware that:

  • We don’t usually accept objects on long-term loan.

  • We cannot accept objects that represent a potential hazard unless there is a compelling reason to do so. Hazardous items include objects containing asbestos, explosive, flammable, poisonous, potentially carcinogenic or radioactive material.

  • We cannot accept objects that pose a threat to our existing collection (i.e. items with pest infestations).

  • Objects or collections that may create storage issues will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • If your object is not accepted, we will, where possible, direct you to another institution that may be interested.

  • We collect material for research, learning and display. This means that even if you don’t see your donation on display it has been carefully recorded and is accessible by appointment.

Unsolicited objects for donation

Unsolicited objects for donation are objects that have been left at or posted to Crewe Heritage Centre without prior discussion and agreement with the Collection Management Committee. Unsolicited objects are not accepted.

We will do all we can to contact the donors of any unsolicited offers in order for them to collect their objects. However, if objects remain uncollected for four months, or if no contact details are left, absolute ownership will be transferred to Crewe Heritage Centre and its Trustees, who may dispose of objects as they see fit.