How We Work
Find out more about loans, donations and image use
Exhibition Loans
Exhibition Loans
We believe that lending our collections to museums, galleries and educational or research institutions widens access and increases the research potential of collections. We have a responsibility to look after the collections and ensure that they will be available for future generations so we ask potential borrowers to show how they meet environmental, security and other conditions before we agree to any loans.
We are happy to advise on the selection and availability of objects and archival material for loan. We recommend early discussions and, where possible, a visit to the museum to see requested items. We will provide basic information and guidance on security, environmental and other requirements to help with the loan request. Loans are only made for specific purposes, such as exhibition, research or conservation. We cannot loan material for commercial use, or to private companies or individuals.
Image: English Valentines card, 1850-1859, publisher unknown, Laura Seddon Collection
Lending may incur costs, such as transport, insurance and conservation needed to make items ready for display. These costs must be met by the borrower. A period of at least six months is required, from the date of a formal loan request to the loan delivery date, to process the loan and complete any necessary conservation work.
Contact us if you would like further information and guidance about our loan conditions and procedures.
Donations
Donations
Since the donation of the first artwork to the Manchester School of Art in 1858, by the art critic John Ruskin, Special Collections has been shaped and enriched by many thoughtful and generous donations from its supporters.
We are grateful for the continued interest and welcome offers of artwork, objects, books and archives that enhance and extend the collections and contribute to improving our exhibitions, teaching and research. Any donations need to align with our collecting policy and will be carefully considered by the curatorial team before they can be approved for acquisition into the collections.
Contact us if you would like to donate artwork, objects, books, archives or other material, or would like to know more about our collecting policy.
Image: Watercolour by William Henry Hunt, 1858, donated by Ruskin to the School of Art
Image Use and Copyright
Image Use
You can photograph our collections and archives for personal study and research only. Just ask for a Photography Permission Form when you visit.
If you’re not able to visit us in person, we may be able to send you a scan or photograph of the item instead.
Contact us if you need an image for use in social media, print or online publication, or commercial purposes.
