Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest.

The Committee considered the report of the Superintendent of Epping Forest and noted that the Arts Council England museum accreditation would provide a wide range of benefits for Epping Forest’s museum collection. As well as opening up a number of funding channels, accreditation would ensure that the material heritage of the Forest was well cared for within a nationally recognised heritage industry framework, raise the profile of the collection and the history of the Forest, provide opportunities for workforce development and partnership working, formalise the management of the collection and provide opportunities for inter-museum loans.

Members noted that though significant progress had been made towards achieving accreditation in the last 12 months, The View’s “working towards accreditation” status was due to expire on 31 March 2015. Applying for an extension until 31 March 2016 would enable work to be completed in areas where the management of the collection did not currently meet the required standard.

Officers informed the Committee that to achieve museum accreditation, the Conservators were required by the scheme to have access to appropriate professional advice. Consequently, a well-qualified Museum Mentor, who would not charge for professional advice, had been identified.

Members noted that there were minor property maintenance updates to be made at the Saw Mill to accommodate the proposals were to be met from the local budget; however there were no long term expenses or implications to be incurred from this work. Members were assured that the property would be suitable for storing documents and artefacts.

In response to a query from Members, Officers clarified that there was currently a backlog of items which were due to be added to the catalogue system, Beehive. Officers were working towards updating the catalogue, which was available online. With regards to new acquisitions, Officers said that a majority of the items received were gifts. The Collection Development Policy would clearly state the relevant and suitable documents which would be collected.

Officers informed Members that the London Metropolitan Archive (LMA) and Keats House had been consulted and supported the proposal for The View to seek museum accreditation. Officers had a good relationship with colleagues at the LMA and continued to liaise with them regarding acquisitions and storage of items. Members noted that achieving full accreditation would open up additional funding streams, raise the profile of the museum collection and help to secure the future of The View.

Resolved: Members:

·       Authorised the Superintendent to apply for an extension to “working towards

accreditation” status and undertake the work necessary to meet the

accreditation standard.

·       Approved the appointment of Helen Giles as the Museum Mentor for The

View and Epping Forest Collection.

·       Authorised the Chairman to sign the Museum Mentor agreement on behalf of

the Epping Forest and Commons Committee.