Mixed Collections: An Introduction
Trainer: Anita Hollinshead
The Section for Archives and Museums are repeating their popular online workshops covering the basics of managing and working with mixed collections.
Attendees will gain an overview of standards governing the care and display of objects, as well as an understanding of current issues and trends in the museum sector.
The session have been compiled by freelance museum consultant Anita Hollinshead. The session will last 2½ hours, consisting of two 50 minute presentations from Anita, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A, providing delegates an opportunity to ask Anita specific questions and queries.
The session is primarily aimed at archivists managing a range of objects within their collections but will also be of benefit to staff and volunteers caring for collections in heritage sites, museums, historic houses and libraries as well as those considering a career in the museum sector. The session will be suitable for those new to the sector as well as those wishing to refresh their existing knowledge.
Following the workshops, delegates will be sent a handout with further information and resources on the topics covered. Recordings of the presentations will also be available for a limited period on the members’ area of the ARA website.
Agendas
10.00-10.50am - Museum Standards
An overview of the standards that underpin collections care and management including Museum Accreditation; Spectrum 5.0; PAS 197: Code of Practice for Cultural Collections Management and the Museum Association’s Code of Ethics.
10.50-11.10 – break, and opportunity for delegates to submit questions for the Q&A session
11.10-12.00 – The Museum Environment
An introduction to the museum environment and the optimum conditions in which to store and display collections. Topics covered will include temperature, relative humidity, light and pollution as well as environmental monitoring and control. The second half will cover housekeeping and pest management.
12.00-12.30 – Q&A
An opportunity for delegates to submit questions to Anita.
Admission fees
ARA members: £20.00
Non-members: £25.00
Please book your place on Eventbrite before Friday 3rd July 2026
Joining instructions will be sent on Tuesday 7th July.
If you have any queries about this event please contact sam@archives.org.uk .