Collections Rationalisation Specialist, The Hovercraft Museum CIC

The Hovercraft Museum CIO is home to the world's largest collection of hovercraft, including the SRN4 cross-channel craft, along with archives, models, and ephemera documenting the development of this unique British innovation. The Museum is embarking on a major programme of renewal supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with the aim of securing its long-term future as a significant visitor attraction and heritage asset.

As part of this programme, a full Condition Survey of the Museum's buildings and site is being undertaken by a conservation architect and their team. In parallel, the Museum requires a Collections Rationalisation Review to ensure the significance, condition, and long-term potential of its holdings are understood and appropriate decisions are made regarding retention, rationalisation, or disposal in line with best practice.

The Collections Rationalisation Review will include:

• Desk-based review of existing collections documentation and catalogues

• On-site inspection and assessment of the collections, including large craft, smaller objects, archives, and ephemera

• Assessment of condition, conservation needs, and storage/display suitability

• Identification of significance, research potential, and interpretive opportunities

• Identification of items suitable for rationalisation, with clear rationale and proposed pathways (transfer, disposal, or other) in line with Accreditation and MA ethical guidance

• Engagement with trustees, volunteers, and stakeholders to ensure transparent, ethical decision-making

• Preparation of a report and recommendations, aligned with the findings of the conservation architect's condition survey, to feed into the masterplan and NLHF application

The project carries an inclusive fee of £6,000.00, with an estimated 25 days to complete the work, equivalent to a maximum of 175 hours to complete the work.