Collections and Resources

The collections at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust (IGMT) total more than 400,000 objects and includes buildings and monuments, archival material, books, and costume, as well as collections relating to the decorative arts, industry and engineering, local history, transport, and natural history.

IGMT also has a Reference Library and Archive which hold an extensive range of materials relating to these subjects. Academics and researchers are welcome to consult the collections by appointment.

All of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust's collections are designated as being of national significance by Arts Council England and can be accessed for free. 

Visiting the Collections

The Collections are available for researchers to visit in person, at no charge. To arrange a visit please contact us via collections@ironbridge.org.uk and provide details on what you would like to see, and dates when you would like to visit.

We will respond as quickly as possible, however please allow up to 5 working days.

NOTICE: The Library and Archives is closed until the end of January to allow for staff training. Our team will begin responding to enquiries in February, but please be aware that response times may be longer than usual.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to assisting you soon.

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    Our Collections

    The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust cares for more than 400,000 objects, some of which are part of specific named collections. Find out more about these collections here.

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  2. Morning View of Coalbrookdale - Legacy gifts help maintain the historic landscapes, buildings and collections

    Resources

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    Donate an Object

    We’d love to hear from you if you have an item that you think might be perfect for our collections. We’re very grateful for all the offers we receive, as you are helping us preserve and celebrate the history of the local areas. 

    Every item offered is considered carefully by our Collections team in relation to our collecting policy and existing collections. We will contact you to either accept or decline your offer, but please don’t bring anything into the Museum or send it by post without arranging with us first.

    We are collecting objects with a strong connection to the East Shropshire Coalfield, particularly items that:

    • Add to our knowledge about the history and heritage of the local area.
    • Are in good condition.
    • Have good associated information and links with individuals or events.

    It is not always possible for us to accept everything offered for the following reasons:

    • We already hold similar examples of the item in the collection.
    • The item is more appropriate to a different museum.
    • There is little associated information with it or no link to the Ironbridge Gorge or associated local industries/individuals.
    • The item is in poor condition or contains hazardous material and therefore would be difficult to preserve. Hazardous items include firearms, objects containing asbestos, and explosive, flammable, poisonous, potentially carcinogenic or radioactive material.
    • The item does not fall within our collecting remit.

    WHO TO CONTACT

     If you are considering offering an item to the collection, please contact the collections team by email or post:

    Post: Collections team, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, Coach Road, Coalbrookdale, Telford, Shropshire TF8 7DQ

    Email via the Get in Touch link on our Collections webpage which you can find here or email collections@ironbridge.org.uk

    Please provide the following information in your correspondence:

    • A photograph of the object
    • Measurements for any larger items
    • Date of the object
    • Background information – brief summary of any personal stories and how the object relates to our current collections or the history of the Ironbridge Gorge and associated local industries etc.
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