Case Studies

Jack Petchey Foundation 25th anniversary

SORT & SURVIVE advised on the cataloguing of the Foundation’s archive comprising company press cuttings, Jack Petchey’s personal diaries, charity accounts, minutes and publications and a large collection of printed and digital photographs recording the Foundation’s events and award ceremonies. In addition, there are artefacts personal to Sir Jack, including his Freemasonry robes, and gifts and awards made to the charity.

Working with the Foundation’s Special Projects Advisor, Trudy Kilcullen, Sort & Survive recruited a professional archivist, liaised with the archivist and members of staff, oversaw exhibition development and assessed the most suitable final depository for the Archive.

“Thank you, Sue. It was a pleasure working with you and your advice really helped us to get the project wrapped up neatly.”
Trudy Kilcullen MBE, Special Projects Advisor, Jack Petchey Foundation

Third Party Storage Options Study for the University of Leeds

SORT & SURVIVE delivered a Third Party Storage Options Study for the University of Leeds Libraries.

SORT & SURVIVE investigated and presented options for third party storage of part of Cultural Collections holdings, specifically archive collections and works of art, to allow for collections growth for the next 15 to 20 years while the University develops strategic solutions to the Library’s long-term storage needs. Sort & Survive Ltd conducted a site visit led by Tim Procter, Interim Associate Director of the Cultural Collections, to assess the collections in store and used our findings to advise on the preparation required to relocate the less well-used material. Sort & Survive Ltd selected and evaluated 10 key storage facilities against several criteria based on the needs of the Cultural Collections and the client.

“Sort & Survive responded to our brief with agility and were able to meet tight deadlines that were imposed upon us. They asked pertinent and searching questions on their site visit to properly inform their response, and their gathering of information from the sector was very thorough and insightful. We also appreciated that they supplied us with some responses that came in after the consultancy had officially ended!”
Tim Procter, Interim Associate Director of Cultural Collections and Galleries

Museum Collection Relocation Project at Vestry House Museum

SORT & SURVIVE managed a complex museum collection relocation project in a Grade II Listed building on behalf of the London Borough of Waltham Forest.

SORT & SURVIVE relocated the mixed social history collection to two separate sites in Waltham Forest. Sort & Survive designed location, cataloguing and associated project procedures and safeguarded collections throughout the project, implementing best practice standards within planning and recruited a team of Museum Collections Documentation assistants, trained them to use the CMS, the Excel inventory and to pack the mixed social history collection. Additionally, we advised on and developed the quality new store layout working closely with museum storage installation company Rackline.

“Since starting my new role, there's lots to get my head around in terms of documentation. But I feel that all of your amazing guidance and knowledge prepared me well for that! ”
<p>Magda Adkins, Collections Documentation Assistant<p>

London Borough of Newham Museum Collection Photography Project report

SORT & SURVIVE wrote a development phase Museum Collection Photography Project report for a delivery phase Heritage Lottery Fund bid for the London Borough of Newham. The report included a complete timeline and budget for the photography project.

Sort & Survive Ltd determined the needs and priorities for the photography of the museum collections based on our assessment of the collections and themes that appeared from public consultation. Sort & Survive Ltd recruited a professional photographer to create a project budget and associated equipment costs.

Relocation of a major East London collection

Project management of the cataloguing, packing and removal of approximately 80,000 museum artefacts and artworks. Responsible for managing a team of six paid staff and ten volunteers and for liaison with all contractors. Work comprised project design, collections management, database modification and documentation and followed high conservation and recognised ethical standards. During the final six weeks items were boxed, wrapped or crated and barcoded prior to removal by a specialist contractor. In addition, over 200 items or groups of items were transferred to more suitable institutions as part of collections review and refinement and redundant tools and equipment were donated to local charities and organisations.

“I'd like to compliment you and your team on your labelling which is brilliant, the best I've seen!”
Liz Yamada, National Conservation Service

The Friends of Wanstead Parklands

Research on relevant museum collections on behalf of the Friends of Wanstead Parklands in preparation for a major Heritage Lottery Fund bid.

Arranging the Auction of Mid-Century Paintings

Client had a small collection of paintings inherited from her parents who had purchased them in Paris. She wanted to sell them but had no experience of the art world.

SORT & SURVIVE researched different auction houses and found a specialist sale of mid century paintings and decorative art in East London, undertook all the administration and attended the auction with the client.

“Thank you so much for everything and for finding all of the paintings a home and for your perseverance... It has just been lovely working with you and thank you too for your kind sentiments - the auction day together was very memorable.”
Anon, Camden

Advice on clearing an artist’s studio

The options for preparing a collection of watercolours for sale. Possible ways of disposing of or re-homing studio props, fixtures and fittings.

“I found it useful to spend a couple of hours with Susan who helped me clarify what the best way forward was in the rather stressful situation of needing to move from the studio my late husband used for over 30 years.”
SB, Chelsea

Placing an antique ceramic piece for sale with an international art auction house

“SORT & SURVIVE obtained advice and quotes from various auction houses and dealers and then liaised with the in-house specialist of the chosen company. She dealt with all paperwork, supervised collection from store and delivery to the auction house’s warehouse and attended the auction itself. She worked in a professional way at all times.”
NS and MS, Hampstead

Finding alternative storage for a sculpture collection; sorting related papers

Client was spending an unsustainable amount each month with a specialist art storage company. The collection was moved to a more cost-effective store out-of-town that still offered stable environmental conditions.

Sorted and refilled papers belonging to her late husband and herself and undertook correspondence on the computer using email and Dropbox.

Help with Family History

Client has a collection of photographs and family history papers dating back to the 19th century. She required advice on the best ways to store and organise individual items.

SORT & SURVIVE advised on suppliers of museum quality polyester sleeves for paper and photographic archives. Spent the day sorting and packing the material by family or individual and discussing how to prioritise the different types of records and memorabilia.

“Susan reassured me that I was doing the right thing with this archive so that it can be passed on to my children in a way that will to help them to understand their family history.”
MN, Buckinghamshire