Case Studies

Broomfield House Collections Cataloguing and Assessment of Significance

Sort & Survive Ltd delivered the Collections Cataloguing and Assessment of Significance of the murals and architectural elements held by the London Borough of Enfield salvaged from the 1984 fire at Broomfield House.

We recruited Sela-Jaymes Taylor, Conservation Architect of Gort-Scott Architects, to identify material and advise on the significance of the collections. Sort & Survive Ltd worked on site over several days in Autumn 2025 to develop two new catalogues. Firstly, we catalogued the crated mural and staircase elements located at one site, and secondly, the salvaged structural remains located at another. The catalogues detailed, among other things, the number of items, their condition, significance and next steps for collections management.

Sort & Survive Ltd met with Historic England to discuss the next steps for rationalisation of the collection and wrote a detailed report including recommendations for long-term storage of selected remains and disposal of material that is in a very poor state and/or is not architecturally significant.

Project duration: 10.5 days over 10 months.

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 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 selected and evaluated 10 key storage facilities against several criteria based on the needs of the Cultural Collections and the client.

Project duration: 14.2 days over 2.5 months.

“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

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 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 recruited a professional photographer to create a project budget and associated equipment costs.

Project duration: 18 days over 6 months.

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.

Project duration: 12 months full time.

“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! ”
Magda Adkins, Collections Documentation Assistant

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.

Project duration: 7.5 days over 12 months.

“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

Co-ordinating centenary celebrations for Women's Pioneer Housing

Sort & Survive was contracted by Women’s Pioneer Housing (WPH) to co-ordinate research into its history to commemorate the organisation's centenary in 2020.

Financed by a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, the work included management of volunteer researchers from the University of the Third Age who worked alongside a PhD student working on the provision of housing for single working women in interwar London, 1919-1939. Sort & Survive undertook a number of oral history interviews with former residents and staff, completed a film Pioneering Courage and produced a touring exhibition and online historical resources for the website www.womenspioneerhousing.co.uk.

Sort & Survive was also responsible for producing an inventory of WPH records and arranging their transfer to the London Metropolitan Archives (now London Archives). The project required regular liaison with residents. Marketing methods included print, the WPH website and social media.

Project duration: 18 months.

“Sue Kirby and Sort & Survive were very helpful in my research into the archives of Women's Pioneer Housing (WPH). Sue shared her experience on her consultancy work with WPH with me and conducted detective work for historical information and addresses on my behalf. I am very grateful and appreciative of her time and efforts. Many thanks Sue and Sort & Survive!”
Katy, university professor, Canada

Relocation of a major East London collection

Sort & Survive project managed 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.

Project duration: 18 months full time.

“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

Farmiloe Business Archive Project

Sort & Survive delivered the sorting, cataloguing, storage and photography of the George Farmiloe and Sons Ltd business archive on behalf of Tim Farmiloe. Tim approached Sort & Survive in 2020 seeking advice on what could be done with the firm’s substantial records and artefacts collected over the years, prompted by the imminent 200th anniversary of the founding of the company.

The work began in the summer of 2020 starting with assessing, sorting, creating an inventory, re-boxing and re-shelving records including property deeds dating back to the 18th century, 19th and 20th century accounts, office ledgers, staff records, trade catalogues and advertising materials.

Once the cataloguing was completed, Sort & Survive reported on possible next steps and Tim chose to commission a history of the company by professional historian Dr Malcolm Noble. Sort & Survive was closely involved in research and development up until the publication of the book in 2024.

The work culminated in an exhibition and presentation for the family gathering to celebrate the bicentenary.

Project duration: 113 days over 40 months.

“My thanks to Sue Kirby, curator and archivist, who has sorted and organised the many documents and artefacts that had accumulated and negotiated their acceptance by the London Metropolitan Archives and sat with Andrew and me fully engaged in the production of the book.”
Tim Farmiloe

Arranging the Auction of Mid-Century Paintings

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.

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.

“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

Sort & Survive delivered options for preparing a collection of watercolours for sale and 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

Sort & Survive sorted and refilled papers belonging to her late husband and herself and undertook correspondence on the computer using email and Dropbox.

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.

Help with Family History Archive

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.

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.

“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