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Four collections have been added to the roll call of nationally significant collections under our Designation Scheme, and we have announced the new Chair of the Museum Accreditation Committee.

Receiving Designation is a mark of distinction awarded to the finest cultural collections housed in non-national museums, libraries and archives across England.

The newly-recognised collections are:

The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, Gaydon; featuring the world’s largest collection of historic British cars and an equally extensive archive of films, images and other motoring artefacts. More information.

The Linnean Society Collections; comprising a world renowned library (featuring many languages) and collections of plant and animal specimens, books, letters, portraits and art including items collected by some of history’s most famous scientists, including Charles Darwin. More information.

Nottingham City Museums & Galleries’ Lace Machinery and Lace Collections; telling the distinctive story of the city’s industrial and textile past and explains how a domestic craft became an important mass market commodity. More information.

The ss Great Britain; a former passenger steamship that has become one of the UK’s finest and best-loved visitor attractions.  After enjoying over 170 years of adventure, the ship returned to the dock where she was built in 1970. Today the ss Great Britain Trust collection is central to the study of Victorian maritime technology, emigration and Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s work. More information.

About the Scheme: re-launching in the Spring 

The Designation Scheme was set up in 1997 to identify exceptional cultural collections housed in non-national institutions which tell significant stories from England’s rich history, from Churchill’s archives, to the Romantic Movement and the history of the surgical profession.  Since then, a total of £32 million has been invested in the protection and development of these collections of national importance to make them more accessible for the public to use and enjoy.

In July 2013, the Designation scheme closed to applications to enable a review of the scheme. As part of the pilot programme to refocus the scheme, these four collections have been awarded Designated status. Following this pilot programme the Designation scheme will re-open in Spring 2015.

Hadrian Ellory-van Dekker: new Museum Accreditation Commiteee Chair

Hadrian Ellory-van Dekker, who is currently Head of Collections at the Science Museum and a member of the Science Museum Management Team, has been appointed as the Chair of the Museum Accreditation Committee. He brings a wealth of experience to the Committee.

Speaking of his appointment, Hadrian Ellory-van Dekker said: ‘I am extremely excited to be able to take up this role at this time. I hope to make a valuable contribution to the Committee and its ongoing work to foster, promote and protect museums and galleries, collections and the provision of rich and engaging public offers in these very interesting and challenging times’.

Museum Accreditation is the sector Standard for museums and galleries in the UK and focuses on how museums are managed, how collections are developed and the experiences offered to the public. The achievement of Accreditation opens access to funding to support further development and activity.

Scott Furlong, Director of Acquisitions, Exports, Loans and Collections Unit, Arts Council England said: ‘I am delighted that Hadrian has been appointed as Chair of the Accreditation Committee at a very important point for the Scheme. With museums across the UK facing very real financial challenges, the foundation that the Accreditation Standard provides feels more required than ever. Hadrian brings invaluable experience and an understanding of both Accreditation and the sector that will contribute hugely to the work of the Committee and Scheme.’