Collection · Offer an object
Offer an object
Most of our collection arrived because someone rang up and said “I think you should have this.” Please tell us about it first. Don’t bring it in, or leave it at the gate, until we’ve talked.
01
What we collect
We collect things that tell the story of Tarrow, the Merrin valley between Tarrow and Orwick, and the people who lived and worked here. The best offers have three things:
Made here, used here, or owned by someone who lived here.
Who had it, what they did with it, and why it was kept.
We’re especially short of anything from the 1950s to the 1980s, and anything from the town’s newer families.
Papers and photographs count too: letters, diaries, shop receipts, school reports and family photographs, even when you can’t name everyone in them.
02
What we don’t collect, and why
Things with no Tarrow connection, however old or lovely. Another museum may want them, and we can suggest one.
Large machinery and furniture. Our whole store is 60 square metres.
Things we already have many of. We have 31 flat irons and 14 treadle sewing machines. Unless yours has a story ours don’t, we’ll say no kindly.
Loans. We accept gifts only, so we can promise to care for things properly.
Weapons and hazardous materials, including old medicines with contents still inside.
Valuations. We can’t tell you what something is worth, for any purpose.
03
How it works
1
Tell us about it
Use the form below, or call (555) 555-0167. We’ll reply within 10 working days.
2
We look at it
We may ask for photos by email, or arrange a time for you to bring it in.
3
The collections committee decides
They meet every second month and look at every offer against what’s already in the collection and what we can care for.
4
We tell you in writing
Yes or no, with a reason either way.
5
Transfer of title
If it’s a yes, you sign a transfer of title form, which makes the society the owner. The object gets its number, and you get a copy of its record.
We’ll credit you on the label and online the way you’d like, for example “Gift of the Duggan family, 1999”, or not at all.
04
Tell us about your object
Fields marked with * are required.