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.