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Donations & bequests

Giving items for permanent preservation in the Museum & Art Swindon collections

Our collections thrive on constant renewal. We accept a wide range of items that help us continue to tell the story of Swindon, either modern items or older ones to fill gaps in our existing collections.

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Medieval gold ring at Museum & Art Swindon
Bluebird toys at Museum & Art Swindon

Adding to the Museum Collections

Telling the story of Swindon

Swindon’s history is told through its people and the natural landscape. Objects in our social history collection form part of a continuing narrative. We are especially interested in donations from residents that can add to this story. We are looking for items which are accompanied  by the stories of the people in the Borough who made or used them.

Fenella elms at Museum & Art Swindon

Adding to the Art Collections

Local, modern and contemporary British art

Our art collection is a diverse mix of paintings, ceramics and sculpture and we are always interested in new work which add different perspectives.  We collect high quality works by artists working within the British art movement in the 20th and 21st century, as well as work depicting local scenes or people.  We are happy to discuss gifts of individual pieces or larger collections in any media.

Roman pottery at Museum & Art Swindon

Commercial Archaeological Deposits

Commercial excavators

As the archaeological depository for the Swindon Borough area, we accept transfers from commercial excavators.  These must be in-line with our current guidelines. Please notify us before excavation starts and we will provide a museum reference number for deposited material.

Museum & Art Swindon - Donations & bequests

Metal Detecting and Stray Finds

Archaeological finds

Objects found through metal detecting and other stray archaeological finds must be registered with the Portable Antiquities Scheme. The Finds Liaison Officer can also help with identification.

How to donate an item

If you think you have an item that would enhance the collection, please email MASCuratorial@swindon.gov.uk with details of the item's history and a photograph (if possible). We ask that ownership of all items is gifted to the museum. We cannot guarantee permanent or immediate display of any item.

If you wish to leave an item in your will, please discuss this with us before making the bequest. Please do not bring unsolicited donations to the museum.

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Crendonites Gorei

Enquire about donating an item

Our team are on hand to help, so please send us your enquiry using our online form.

Alternatively, feel free to call us on:

01793 466556

Send us your enquiry

Send us the details of your enquiry and a member of our team will be in touch.

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