We collect physical and digital objects that fit into our collection categories. We are especially interested in contemporary objects that reflect Guildford today. Our collections help to tell the story of Guildford and the people that have lived in it.
Make a donation
To make a donation send an email with an overview of what the donation is, what it was used for and who it belonged to.
Try to give us as much information as possible. Stories behind the donation help us to make decisions about accepting. We will also need some good photographs so that we can see what it is and check its condition.
Please note, we regret that we cannot accept objects brought to the Museum and left with us.
How do we decide if we will take your object?
When making our decision we think about:
the condition of the donation
display potential
any further conservation needs
storage needs
the Collections Development Policy - this outlines what the museum will and won't collect
Our collecting categories
Innovation in Guildford
space satellites
Guildford's gaming industry
Living in Guildford
transport and commuting
shops and shopping
performing arts academies
sport
Hidden histories of Guildford
objects/images that represent the experience of Guildford's LGBTQ+ and BAME communities
disability
hidden histories such as working class and women's history
National politics or events with local impact
objects and images that represent Covid-19
Brexit
black Lives Matter movements
climate change movements
Art
paintings, prints, cartoons and sculpture
in particular, agricultural scenes featuring Surrey's idyllic landscapes and Surrey smocks;
landscapes and townscapes of Guildford and surrounding area
portraits of known Guildford people
contemporary artists living or working in Guildford
Dress and textiles
objects that tell a unique story about people living and working in Guildford
Guildford's wool industry
examples of needlework
Photography
reflecting life in Guildford from the 1940s to the present day
Archaeology
we are no longer collecting large archaeological archives. We collect significant small archaeological finds excavated or discovered in Guildford.
