Objects Currently Under Consultation

As part of the Collections review, we will identify objects which we plan to acquire and some which we no longer require. A few of our recent acquisitions are described here.

Although objects proposed for disposal may no longer be suitable for our Collections, we want to ensure that as many of these objects as possible remain in public collections in the UK so that people can use and enjoy them. Objects listed on this page are usually advertised to the museum community through the Museums Association’s Find an Object search.

How can you get involved?

If you represent a UK museum, please use the comments form to express your interest in acquiring any specific item. We will ask you for your details so that we can contact you. There is no limit to the number of items in which you may express an interest.

If you are a member of the public, or you represent another type of institution, please use the same comments form.  Your comments will be read by the Head of Collections Review and will form part of the consultation. We will ask you for your details so that we can contact you.

What happens next?

Once we have received expressions of interest we will make a provisional allocation of items and recommend potential recipients to our Board of Trustees. No disposal is final or binding until consultation has been completed and all necessary approvals have been obtained. Please see the Disposals page for more information on how objects are proposed for disposal.

Please note:

• IWM is required to obtain the approval of the Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, for the disposal of any non-duplicate objects. Objects will be listed on this page for consultation prior to such approval being obtained; these objects will be withdrawn from the process if such approval is not obtained.
• We give priority to accredited museums. Where there is competition for the same object we normally give priority to the first museum to make a request, but may also consider factors such as public access and collection remits.
• All items are offered on the basis that the recipient will arrange transport or collection at their cost. The location of each object is noted above.
• All items are offered in good faith, but IWM makes no warranty and issues no guarantees as to the condition of any item. IWM declines to accept any responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from the acquisition of any object. Any institution wishing to acquire one of the objects on offer is responsible for satisfying themselves as to the condition and suitability of the object.