How to Borrow

Detail of ‘Orange Necklace’, painted wood, wool, fabric, semi-precious and glass beads, © Lina Peterson/ Crafts Council 2008, J287

Making a Loan Request

The Crafts Council lends to make its Collection intellectually and physically accessible for public exhibition and display. Venues may include museums, art galleries, hospitals, heritage buildings and other related organisations that comply with museum standards of best practice. Although the Crafts Council lends to many institutions or organisations, it is not able to lend to film, television or media companies including theatrical productions. Objects may not be lent to private individuals or companies other than in exceptional circumstances.

Formal Written Request
A formal loan request and completed UKRG Facilities Reports found below should be addressed to Sherry Doyal, Collections Management Officer, and include the following information:
• Title of the exhibition (if appropriate)
• Scope of exhibition
• Venue(s)
• Dates (exhibition and loan period)
• Organiser’s name, address and contact details
• Type of loan: Short term – exhibition loan; Long term – loans of three to five years with the possibility of renewal;
OR
• Out of the Box, long term loan of a group of objects made between 1970 and 1994 as a five year renewable term
• A complete list of the object/s requested, where possible quoting object/s numbers
• Reasons for inclusion of the object/s – for Out of the Box, the long term loan of group of objects made between 1970 and
1994, it is essential to outline how the loan will enhance interpretation and display of existing permanent craft collections or
inspire new areas of craft collecting.
• Who is responsible for preparing the exhibition
• Who is responsible for organising transport between venues
• Who will provide insurance or indemnity
• Whether a publication will be produced.

Facilitating and Administering Loans
The Crafts Council aims to respond to all loan requests within twenty working days and advise of a decision. The decision to lend is based on a number of factors including:
• The availability of the object/s
• The condition of the object/s and its suitability to travel
• Whether the environmental conditions required for the object/s are achievable
• Whether the security levels are satisfactory
• Whether the staffing resources are available in order to prepare this loan
• Whether the borrower can comply with the Terms and Conditions
• Whether the request supports the aims and priorities of the Crafts Council

Once the decision has been made to support a request, the Crafts Council will prepare a Loan Agreement specifying the environmental requirements, packing and display needs, insurance values, credit line and reproduction rights. The Crafts Council aims to support loans by being pragmatic in its approach. This includes working with the borrower in organising the packing, transport, insurance and couriers (if applicable), installation and maintenance of the object/s on display and any subsequent touring exhibitions and eventual return to the Crafts Council. The borrower is responsible for all costs associated with the loan, but the Crafts Council will work with the borrower to keep costs to a minimum. Unless a specific agreement has been made for an individual loan, the borrower will bear all direct costs of borrowing including:

• Condition assessments and production of Condition Reports, if prepared by an independent Conservator
• Conservation and cleaning by an independent Conservator, if required
• Independent valuation, if required
• Display preparations (time and materials) e.g. display supports or mounts
• New packing cases and packing material (normally constructed by a Fine Art Agent)
• Transport
• Courier travel fares, accommodation and subsistence
• Fine Art Agent Fees
• Insurance – nail to nail, all risk
• Inspections, as may be required (condition checking a long term loan)

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the administration and facilitation of loans, please contact:

Sherry Doyal
Collections Management Officer
Tel: +44 (0) 207806 2525
Email: s_doyal@craftscouncil.org.uk
www.craftscouncil.org.uk

When applying for a loan, please complete the three UKRG Facilities Reports. The documents are to help us assess your loan request.