Bradford District Museums and Galleries holds a vast collection built up over more than 120 years, ranging from works of art and historic photographs to archaeology, industrial heritage and objects documenting the district’s social history.
But despite Bradford Council operating four museums and galleries, only a fraction of the collection can be displayed at any one time.
Around 40 per cent is currently held in external storage facilities, some of which have been described as “increasingly not fit for purpose”.
Now Bradford Council has been awarded £175,040 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help find a long-term solution for protecting the collection.
The project, Collections Reimagined: Preserving Our Past, Protecting Our Future, will examine how Bradford’s enormous collection can be stored sustainably and safeguarded for future generations.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund said the council-run museums and galleries hold “a significant collection of nearly one million objects” spanning art, social history, industrial heritage, world cultures, archaeology, photography and natural sciences.
It said: “Approximately 40 per cent of the collections are currently held in external stores, but these buildings are increasingly not fit for purpose and could present risks to the long-term preservation of some collections.
“The National Lottery funding will enable the project to determine the most appropriate and sustainable long-term storage solution for the collections to ensure that they will be safeguarded for the future.
“This will sit alongside community consultation and engagement activities to ensure that local people will have opportunities to connect with the heritage that has shaped where they live.”
Bradford’s collection has been assembled over generations and represents not only the district’s artistic heritage, but its industrial, cultural and social history.
The new project will also involve local communities in discussions around the collection and how people can better connect with the objects and stories held by the museums service.
Councillor Ian Walker, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said: “Our museums boast an incredible collection that is not only significant to the Bradford district, but across the whole of the UK.
“Safeguarding that heritage is incredibly important and we’re thrilled to have the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund to embark on the first steps to ensuring they will be cared for and preserved for future generations.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The Bradford district has an incredibly rich history encompassing a breadth of heritage, including nature and strong community stories.
“We’re delighted to be supporting this project, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, to ensure this important heritage is shared, celebrated, and protected for years to come.”
