Design and Construction

Selection of Objects

Although replicas can sometimes be useful, the real thing has much more value in inspiring awe and wonder. Museums that loan real objects demonstrate belief in the importance of access to primary evidence, and bringing the past alive.

There is always a balance between access and preservation. Some objectsare very rare,extremely valuable or unstable and therefore not suitable. Other issues to consider are size and weight - boxes should not present health and safety risks to the carrier.

Is it relevant to your audience?
This is a key factor in selection. Boxes can be created according to topics and periods in time, studied in schools. For example: Greeks, Victorians, Britain since 1930. Common themes are those familiar to people today. These include home life, socialising and work.

What about the National Curriculum?
This has changed so many times over the past few years that loan collections could date easily, if they are linked rigidly to it. A specific approach limits scope. If you specify a box is for Key Stage 2 History, all other teachers may not give it a second glance. At the moment schools are the predominant audience for loan services, yet other audiences could benefit; hospitals, home teaching centres and reminiscence groups. A broader perspective allows collections to be applicable to a wider audience and prevents them gathering dust on the shelf.

Reading Museum