Behind the scenes: Elmbridge Museum's big collection move

Since 2024, together with their team of dedicated volunteers, the Elmbridge Museum team has been busy preparing the move of 4,000 objects from their current storage facility in Walton-on-Thames to a new store better suited to modern museum standards.

But moving a museum collection is about far more than putting items into boxes.

The collection includes everything from household items and toys to archaeological finds, geological artefacts and objects connected to Elmbridge's rural, industrial and transport history. The team and volunteers have been carrying out a detailed audit of the objects, ensuring they are correctly documented, photographed and carefully packed for the future.

For many volunteers, the project has offered a rare opportunity to get hands-on with local history. As part of the project, they have helped uncover fascinating stories and even rediscovered items that were previously thought to be missing.

One of our volunteers said:

I’ve loved being part of the collections move. From handling objects I’d never seen before to learning about the people and places behind them, every session brings something new and interesting.

This important behind-the-scenes work will help preserve Elmbridge's heritage and ensure the collection is cared for years to come.

Want to find out more about the museum’s work behind the scenes?

Read the full blog, including volunteer experiences and some of the exciting discoveries made during the project: The big Collections Move: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes at Elmbridge Museum.