Posted Monday 25 June 2012

Free ‘Objects in Focus’ loans from the Horniman Museum

The Object in Focus loans programme by the Horniman Museum works with museums to allow them to borrow an object and all that is needed to make it into a star temporary exhibition. The overall offer can include the object for 2-3 months, along with showcase, lighting, transport and installation, interpretation, learning materials, talks by experts to accompany the loan, publicity and general support throughout the loan process.

Albatross - one of the objects for loan

Through Objects in Focus the Horniman aim to increase access to our stored collections, promote smarter loans and to forge links with other museums. The project has been running successfully with MLA funding for the past year, with objects being loaned to six museums. The outcomes and feedback from partners have been hugely positive and as a result the project has been extended and funded for a further three years by ACE.

Some objects that have been approved for immediate loan are a beautiful antique Japanese version of a chess set, an imposing taxidermy specimen of an endangered albatross and a surprisingly impressive horse skull that can be used to tell many stories. More objects will be approved as the project develops so please contact us to discuss these objects available now or your museums future plans and interests. I’m keen to hear from museums of all types and sizes.

To enquire about being involved in the project please contact:

Luanne Faulknall, Collections Access Officer at the Horniman Museum at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 020 8858 8232.