Agenda item - Royal Pavilion & Museums: Accreditation, Collections Development and Trust Update

Report of the Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture (copy attached).

(1) That the Committee approve RPM’s Interim Forward Plan (Appendix A) and Access Policy Statement (Appendix B), for submission to Arts Council England to support RPM’s continuing Accredited status;

            (2) That the Committee approve the transfer of three items from the collections to the Sussex Archaeology Society and one item to the British Museum; and

(3) That the Committee notes the work undertaken on the establishment of the Cultural Trust.

10.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Culture the purpose of which was to present three documents for Committee consideration and approval in the context of the Museums Accreditation Standard which was administered and approval by Arts Council England.

10.2    A key document which forms part of the Accreditation standard was the Collections Development Policy (this was approved in 2013). This was a document which was approved in 2013 and remained valid. There was now greater emphasis on collections use and sharing in the museums’ sector, and the report was intended to brief the Committee on what ‘transfer’ means in the context of Collections Development and sought approval from Committee for the transfer of four items from the collections. Following the agreement of the Policy Resources and Growth Committee to the establishment of a cultural trust into which the Royal Pavilion & Museums would transfer, this report provided an update on work to date.

10.3    Councillor Allen referred to the items lodged at Preston Manor and also within the Booth Collection. Whilst there were general comments about them he considered that it was important to acknowledge that some of the items within those collections were of national significance. The Head of the Royal Pavilion and Museums explained that the importance of all of the city’s museums was recognised, currently each was being focused on and would form the subject of a further update report later in the year.

10.4    Councillor Mac Cafferty sought clarification regarding the status of the items to be transferred as he considered that it was important that the integrity of the existing collections should not be diminished as a result of these losses, referring specifically to the mummy noting that the Museum had its own Egyptology section and asking whether this item and any others which were transferred would be replaced.

10.5    The Head of the Royal Pavilion and Museums, Janita Bagshawe, explained that it was intended under the terms of the scheme the items would be transferred on permanent loan. None of the items was on display and it was intended that they would be transferred to locations where they could be better conserved and appreciated within more specialist collections. In the case of the mummy its provenance was uncertain although it was believed the body contained within was that of a temple priestess/attendant. It was in a poor state of repair, its wrappings and other ornamentation were not believed to be original. By transferring this item to the British Museum it was being sent to a location where there were the resources and expertise both to conserve it and to research its history further.

10.6    Councillor Nemeth enquired regarding whether it would be more appropriate in some instances to sell items and the importance of accreditation. It was explained accreditation was very important in that as well as being highly regarded within the sector accreditation carried with it opportunities to tap into a number of funding streams.

10.7    Reference was made the “folly” associated with Portslade Old Manor and the need to promote this hidden gem which it was believed had transferred into the council’s ownership when it had become a Unitary Authority. Councillor Mears suggested that should be checked upon as she believed that there had been confusion about its ownership.

10.8    Councillor O’Quinn sought  clarification regarding the level of charges made for entry to the buildings in the council’s care, particularly in relation to school visits, as the number appeared to have reduced. It was explained that this tended to fluctuate, however activities such as the opportunities to role play at Preston Manor were very popular. School parties were charged a fee for the service provided but not for entry.

10.9    RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee approve RPM’s Interim Forward Plan (Appendix A) and Access Policy Statement (Appendix B), for submission to Arts Council England to support RPM’s continuing Accredited status;

            (2) That the Committee approve the transfer of three items from the collections to the Sussex Archaeology Society and one item to the British Museum; and

(3) That the Committee notes the work undertaken on the establishment of the Cultural Trust.