This blog will highlight some of the Museum's recent acquisitions. Usually these objects will also be available on
Collections Online or in the new Manuscripts catalogue.
Collecting and Recent Acquisitions at the National Maritime Museum
Collections form the heart of all museums, and active collecting is an important and exciting aspect of the National Maritime Museum's mission 'to illustrate the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars'. New material is added every year, on both a large and a small scale. The NMM collections hold over 2.5 million items, making them a huge resource of written, visual and object-based information for those interested in the subjects to which they relate.
Regular additions - collected by gift, purchase or bequest - reflect the wide range of the Museum's interests and activities. It is always grateful for offers of new items but potential acquisitions have to be carefully considered, to ensure that they meet fairly strict criteria of significance and condition, and do not create unnecessary duplications. You can get more information from the Museum's full current Collecting Policy.
New material helps the Museum to make greater sense of its existing collections and to enhance its public displays. It also extends the range of the Museum's research and educational activities, and supports the projects and interests of other users at all levels. Active collecting therefore remains a vital and ongoing part of the Museum's work.