The Museum: National Paralympic Heritage Centre

The Governing Body: National Paralympic Heritage Trust 

Date on which this policy was approved by the governing body: March 2018

Date on which this policy was reviewed by the Trust: March 2021

Policy review procedure: The collections development policy will be published and reviewed from time to time, at least once every five years. 

Date at which this policy is due for review: March 2022

Arts Council England/CyMAL will be notified of any changes to the collections development policy, and the implications of any such changes for the future of collections.  

The NPHT collections are managed by Buckinghamshire Archives and Discover Bucks Museum (acting as an agent for the Buckinghamshire Council). 

1. NPHT Statement of Purpose 

The National Paralympic Heritage Trust will cherish, capture and explore the heritage of the British Paralympic Movement past, present and future, for generations to come.

1.1 The National Paralympic Heritage Trust intends that it will collect, document and interpret for posterity the archives and heritage associated with the British Paralympic movement. The collection will be assembled, managed, recorded and made accessible to high professional standards and to wider audiences, taking account of the limitations of storage, staffing, financial and other resources. In order that NPHT may deliver an efficient and sustainable service, it has entered into an arrangement with Buckinghamshire Archives (BA) and Discover Bucks Museum (DBM) to care for collections deposited with NPHT. This will enable collecting on behalf of NPHT, promote the use of the collections it has gathered and interpret the collections for wider public access. NPHT recognises the importance of information associated with archives and heritage objects and the quality of contextual information with individual objects will influence decisions on collecting. 

1.2 The governing body will ensure that both acquisition and disposal are carried out openly and with transparency. 
 
1.3 By definition, the museum has a long-term purpose and holds collections in trust for the benefit of the public in relation to its stated objectives. The governing body therefore accepts the principle that sound curatorial reasons must be established before consideration is given to any acquisition to the collection, or the disposal of any items in the museum’s collection. 
 
1.4 Acquisitions outside the current stated policy will only be made in exceptional circumstances. 
 
1.5 The museum recognises its responsibility, when acquiring additions to its collections, to ensure that care of collections, documentation arrangements and use of collections will meet the requirements of the Museum Accreditation Standard. This includes using SPECTRUM primary procedures for collections management. It will take into account limitations on collecting imposed by such factors as staffing, storage and care of collection arrangements.  
 
1.6 The museum will undertake due diligence and make every effort not to acquire, whether by purchase, gift, bequest or exchange, any object or specimen unless the governing body or responsible officer is satisfied that the museum can acquire a valid title to the item in question. 
 
1.7 The museum will not undertake disposal motivated principally by financial reasons. 

2. History of the collections 

NPHT was formed in 2015 as a charity to: 

Cherish, capture and explore the heritage of the British Paralympic Movement past, present and future, for generations to come

In 2015 the NPHT did not have its own collection but has since built one. The BA already had the National Spinal Injuries Centre records and the long-term deposit of the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sport Federation collection.  

Since 2015 the NPHT has had 45 collections donated to them including the complete British Paralympic collection, the Tony Sainsbury OBE collection and the Caz Walton OBE collection all of which are significant in size. Other donations are mainly from individuals and objects from the National Spinal Injuries Centre. The WheelPower - British Wheelchair Sport collection is in the process of being provided to the NPHT on long-term loan, and the Graham Bool photographic collection is in the process of being deposited on loan to the Trust.

There has only been one physical acquisition to date, a 1950s folding wheelchair in February 2019, purchased for the purpose of showing the evolution of the wheelchair at the Heritage Centre, alongside other sports wheelchairs.  

3. Overview of the current collections 

The heritage is focused on the unique history of the development of the Paralympic Movement in Great Britain, from its birthplace in Stoke Mandeville in 1948 to the present-day successes of the British Paralympic team. It is an inspiring and moving story of international significance.

From a British perspective it tells the history of a remarkable movement through the many individuals who have been part of the Games. It is a journey that has had profound effects on the lives of many disabled people and their families. It has led the way in changing public attitudes towards disabled people and influenced the development of new technologies to better support them. It is a tale that is still unfolding with further significant developments made during the London 2012 Paralympic Games and the success of the British Paralympic teams in subsequent Games. 

The current strength of the collection lies in the early days of the Paralympic movement from the 1940s through to the 1980s and, a major part of the British Paralympic Association collection focused on London 2012, including a large costume collection. Another strength is in the significant film and photographic collections, much already digitised. Finally, the growing oral history collection of individuals experiences and memories plays a significant role in fulfilling the Trust’s statement of purpose and key aims.

The collections are mainly focused on the early years and there is still a lot of work to be carried out to accession everything, with a clear plan in place for the next two years.

There are some items within the collection not accessioned and held for handling purposes. These items are ones that are replicated elsewhere in the collection or items that are brand new for example sports equipment used in learning work.  
The physical heritage includes objects, medals, torches, wheelchairs, sports equipment, sportswear, trophies, flags, opening ceremony costumes, medical records, score boards, posters, programmes, gifts, correspondence and minutes, oral histories, photographs and films.

The provisions of this Collections Development Policy refer to the permanent, accessioned collections. 

The role of Buckinghamshire Archives and the Discover Bucks Museum

Artefact and Archive collections loaned or donated to the NPHT by third parties and in the care of the DBM or BA will remain the responsibility of the NPHT which shall satisfy the lender that appropriate provision has been made in respect of insurance and that proper standards of care are being applied.   
  
The management of object collections by Discover Bucks Museum

In August 2014 the County Council (now Buckinghamshire Council) made arrangements with the newly established Discover Bucks Museum (DBM) for the management of museum operations including collections to be transferred to it.  Legal agreements including a funding Agreement, Collections Agreement and leases were signed by both parties and all external contracts relating to collections deposit were novated. The BCMT has set out its intentions in relation to future acquisitions and its proposals were submitted at the time of accreditation in 2014 for subsequent incorporation into a CDP.

To clarify the position of lenders and donors to the NPHT a form of wording is used in agreements with them and an abbreviated version of this is included in the entry forms completed at time of deposit.

The management of archive collections by Buckinghamshire Archives

The Buckinghamshire Archive is run by Buckinghamshire Council and is designated by The National Archives as the place of deposit for the historic county of Bucks.  BA has a service level agreement with NPHT to provide storage, collections care and access to archive collections relating to the history of the Paralympic movement across the whole of Great Britain.  BA’s acquisitions policy reflects this range of collecting.  BA can and will take collections directly on deposit, as well as through NPHT as an intermediary, on the understanding that they can be utilised by NPHT for exhibition and interpretation (with the depositor’s agreement).

The range of Collections 

Collections that will be proactively sought for acquisition include anything that is related to the British Paralympic movement, such as: 

• NPHT’s own organisational collection – inclusive of born-digital records deemed as archive 
• Organisational material – organisations that have had a role in the development of the Paralympic movement in Great Britain and who have not already made provision for the long-term care of their collections 
• Personal material – individuals who competed for Great Britain (and constituent nations) who collected items as part of their career; individuals who worked in relevant organisations such as the National Spinal Injuries Centre, etc. 
• Contemporary arts and crafts that take inspiration from the Paralympic movement 
• Social history relating to the Paralympic movement 
• Costume collections from national and international competitions 
• Technology relating to the development of the Paralympic movement, such as wheelchairs, assistive equipment, sports equipment and closely related medical equipment 
• Artefacts that will increase understanding and enhance appreciation of or will enable NPHT to tell the story of the development of the Paralympic movement. 

NPHT will not accept any material with specific conditions attached. 

BA and DBM will acquire items in accordance with this policy by deposit, gift, bequest or purchase.  No items will be accepted with specific conditions unless with the approval of NPHT. 

NPHT may not accept items that cannot be stored or conserved to an acceptable standard. 

NPHT will seek to assist individuals to identify the best place for deposit/loan, wherever that may be across the country. 

4. Themes and priorities for future collecting 

The NPHT will take a proactive approach to collecting through the definition of research objectives on an occasional basis. These will be designed to critically review stories and messages relevant to heritage of the Paralympic movement or deemed to be associated with it but so far unrepresented or under-represented in the collections and to propose strategies that enable their enhancement. This may take the form of documentary research, purchase, reproduction, community research projects, oral history projects, exhibitions or public advertisement. 
 
It will be important to the Trust to ensure that the collection development fills gaps such as ensuring there is a balance across a range of sports and disabilities.   
 
Themes and priorities for acquisitions

The main themes are:

• What are the Paralympic Games – as they are today, the sports, the disabilities, summer and winter games, categories. 
• Origins – the start of the Paralympic movement in 1948 at Stoke Mandeville, and other significant competitions for people with disabilities that have helped pave the way to the modern Paralympic Games. Significant milestones.  
• Sports Medicine – advances in medical treatment and rehabilitations. Changing attitudes in the medical profession.  
• The Kit – Design and technology of the kit including the clothing 
• Life journeys – oral histories, biographies, personal accounts, training routines, preparing for an event. 
• Pioneers – biographies in words, pictures and objects of significant figures in the development of the movement including Dr Ludwig Guttmann, other doctors, nurses, coaches, organisers and athletes.  
• Defining moments – key video and audio to bring the experience of watching or taking part in the Paralympics to life. 
• Ceremonies and celebrations – items related to the wider cultural activity of the Paralympic Games including costumes, torches, souvenirs, posters and set items. 
• NPHT’s own organisational collection – inclusive of born-digital records deemed as archive 
• Organisational material – organisations that have had a role in the development of the Paralympic movement in Great Britain and who have not already made provision for the long-term care of their collections 
• Contemporary arts and crafts that take inspiration from the Paralympic movement 
• Social history relating to the Paralympic movement 
• Technology relating to the development of the Paralympic movement, such as wheelchairs, assistive equipment, sports equipment and closely related medical equipment 
• Artefacts that will increase understanding and enhance appreciation of or will enable NPHT to tell the story of the development of the Paralympic movement.
• In this place – items relating to specific places for example Stoke Mandeville Stadium and other satellite spaces for example the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London. 

5. Themes and priorities for rationalisation and disposal

The NPHT does not intend to dispose of collections during the period covered by this policy as it is not a priority.

6. Legal and ethical framework for acquisition and disposal 

The NPHT recognises its responsibility to work within the parameters of the Museum Association Code of Ethics when considering acquisition and disposal. 

7. Relationship with other collectors

There are no other formal British Paralympic Collections known of within the UK. Some museums have purchased items that relate to their own specialist collections for example London’s Science Museum have the first-hand cycle machine designed to be wheeled over the beds of spinal injuries patients, designed by Dr Guttmann.  Central Government collections relating to London 2012 are in the care of The National Archives.  The Wellcome Trust holds the Guttmann Collection on deposit, which consists of personal letters, photographs and material relating to Sir Ludwig’s migration to the UK. 

The NPHT will take account of the collecting policies of other museums and other organisations collecting in the same or related areas or subject fields. It will consult with these organisations where conflicts of interest may arise or to define areas of specialism, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication and waste of resources. 

• River & Rowing Museum, Henley 
• National Football Museum 
• Rugby Football Union Museum 
• Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum 
• The Olympic Museum, Lausanne 
• National Archives
• Science Museum, London 
• Wellcome Trust 
• And others identified in the Mapping Report 2016 

The Trust will take a positive role in supporting other places of deposit (museums and archives etc.) to ensure that relevant collections are efficiently managed and identified.

8. Archival Holdings

Through its relationship with Buckinghamshire Archives all archival material within the collection will be guided by the requirements of the Archive Service Accreditation. 

9. Acquisition 

9.1 The NPHT recognises its responsibility, in acquiring additions to its collections, to ensure that care of collections, documentation arrangements and use of collections will meet the requirements of the Accreditation Standard. It will take into account limitations on collecting imposed by such factors as staffing, storage and care of collection arrangements.

Mixed collections of archives and objects will be encountered frequently and the process for dealing with these is for the County Archivist to process all material before passing object collections to DBM for its specialist care following initial review.  It is not anticipated that collections containing significant material unrelated to Paralympic heritage will be acquired. 

The policy for agreeing acquisitions is: 

The NPHT will exercise due diligence and make every effort not to acquire, whether by purchase, gift, bequest or exchange, any object or specimen unless the governing body or responsible officer is satisfied that the NPHT can acquire a valid title to the item in question.  

9.2 The museum will not acquire any object or specimen unless it is satisfied that the object or specimen has not been acquired in, or exported from, its country of origin (or any intermediate country in which it may have been legally owned) in violation of that country’s laws. (For the purposes of this paragraph ‘country of origin’ includes the United Kingdom). 
 
9.3 In accordance with the provisions of the UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, which the UK ratified with effect from November 1 2002, and the Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Act 2003, the museum will reject any items that have been illicitly traded. The governing body will be guided by the national guidance on the responsible acquisition of cultural property issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in 2005. 

10. Human Remains

10.1 The NPHT does not hold or intend to acquire any human remains. 

11. Biological and geological material 

So far as biological and geological material is concerned, the NPHT will not acquire by any direct or indirect means any specimen that has been collected, sold or otherwise transferred in contravention of any national or international wildlife protection or natural history conservation law or treaty of the United Kingdom or any other country, except with the express consent of an appropriate outside authority.  

12. Archaeological material  

12. 1 The NPHT will not acquire any archaeological material.  

13. Exceptions 

13.1 Any exceptions to the above clauses will only be because the NPHT is:  

• acting as an externally approved repository of last resort for material of local (UK) origin 
• acting with the permission of authorities with the requisite jurisdiction in the country of origin 

In these cases, the NPHT will be open and transparent in the way it makes decisions and will act only with the express consent of an appropriate outside authority. The museum will document when these exceptions occur. 

14.  Spoliation

14.1 The NPHT will use the statement of principles ‘Spoliation of Works of Art during the Nazi, Holocaust and World War II period’, issued for non-national museums in 1999 by the Museums and Galleries Commission.  

15.  The Repatriation and Restitution of objects and human remains 

It is not anticipated that material will be acquired that might be appropriately repatriated or which involves the care of human remains. 

16.  Disposal procedures 

The Trust will ensure that the disposal process is carried out openly and with transparency. 

By definition, the NPHT collection has a long-term purpose and is held in trust for society in relation to its stated objectives. The governing body therefore accepts the principle that sound curatorial reasons for disposal must be established before consideration is given to the disposal of any items in the Trust’s collection.  

16.1 All disposals will be undertaken with reference to the SPECTRUM Primary Procedures on disposal. 

16.2 The NPHT will confirm that it is legally free to dispose of an item and agreements on disposal made with donors will be taken into account.  

16.3 When disposal of a NPHT owned object is being considered, NPHT will establish if it was acquired with the aid of an external funding organisation.  In such cases, any conditions attached to the original grant will be followed.  This may include repayment of the original grant and a proportion of the proceeds if the item is disposed of by sale. 

16.4 When disposal is motivated by curatorial reasons the procedures outlined below will be followed and the method of disposal may be by gift, sale, exchange or as a last resort - destruction. 

The NPHT will not undertake disposal motivated principally by financial reasons. 

16.5 The decision to dispose of material from the collections will be taken by the governing body only after full consideration of the reasons for disposal.  Other factors including the public benefit, the implications for the NPHT collections and collections held by museums and other organisations collecting the same material or in related fields will be considered.  External expert advice will be obtained and the views of stakeholders such as donors, researchers, local and source communities and others served by the museum will also be sought. 

16.6 A decision to dispose of a specimen or object, whether by gift, exchange, sale or destruction (in the case of an item too badly damaged or deteriorated to be of any use for the purposes of the collections or for reasons of health and safety), will be the responsibility of the governing body of the NPHT acting on the advice of professional curatorial staff and not by their agents or by the curator of the collection acting alone.  

16.7 Once a decision to dispose of material in the collection has been taken, priority will be given to retaining it within the public domain, unless it is to be destroyed.  It will therefore be offered in the first instance, by gift or sale, directly to other Accredited Archives and Museums likely to be interested in its acquisition. 

16.8. If the material is not acquired by any Accredited Archives and Museums to which it was offered directly as a gift or for sale, then the heritage community at large will be advised of the intention to dispose of the material, normally through an announcement on the Archives-NRA list serve or in the Museums Association’s Museums Journal, and in other specialist journals where appropriate. 

16.9 The announcement relating to gift or sale will indicate the number and nature of specimens or objects involved, and the basis on which the material will be transferred to another institution.  Preference will be given to expressions of interest from other Accredited Archives and Museums. A period of at least two months will be allowed for an interest in acquiring the material to be expressed. At the end of this period, if no expressions of interest have been received, the museum may consider disposing of the material to other interested individuals and organisations giving priority to organisations in the public domain. 

16.10 Any monies received by the NPHT governing body from the disposal of items will be applied for the benefit of the collections.  This normally means the purchase of further acquisitions.  In exceptional cases, improvements relating to the care of collections in order to meet or exceed Accreditation requirements relating to the risk of damage to and deterioration of the collections may be justifiable.  Any monies received in compensation for the damage, loss or destruction of items will be applied in the same way.  Advice on those cases where the monies are intended to be used for the care of collections will be sought from the Arts Council England. 

16.11 The proceeds of a sale will be ring-fenced in the Collections Purchase Reserve Fund so it can be demonstrated that they are spent in a manner compatible with the requirements of the Accreditation standard. Money must be restricted to the long-term sustainability, use and development of the collection. 

16.12 Full records will be kept of all decisions on disposals and the items involved and proper arrangements made for the preservation and/or transfer, as appropriate, of the documentation relating to the items concerned, including photographic records where practicable in accordance with SPECTRUM Procedure on deaccession and disposal for objects or BA own deaccessioning policy and procedure for archives. 

Disposal by exchange 

16.13 The NPHT will not dispose of items by exchange.  

Disposal by destruction

16.14 If it is not possible to dispose of an object through transfer or sale, the governing body may decide to destroy it. 

16.15 It is acceptable to destroy material of low intrinsic significance (duplicate mass-produced articles or common specimens which lack significant provenance) where no alternative method of disposal can be found. 

16.16 Destruction is also an acceptable method of disposal in cases where an object is in extremely poor condition, has high associated health and safety risks or is part of an approved destructive testing request identified in an organisation’s research policy. 

16.17 Where necessary, specialist advice will be sought to establish the appropriate method of destruction. Health and safety risk assessments will be carried out by trained staff where required. 

16. 18 The destruction of objects should be witnessed by an appropriate member of the museum workforce. In circumstances where this is not possible, eg the destruction of controlled substances, a police certificate should be obtained and kept in the relevant object history file.