Network

MONEY & MEDALS

Museum of Wigan Life

Library Street

Wigan

WN1 1NU

tel: +44 (0)1942 827594 or 828128

website: http://www.wlct.org/wigan/museums-archives/mowl/

email: carrie.gough@wlct.org

Contact details: Carrie Gough; Lynda Jackson

Date of visit: 23 April 2014

Nature and extent of collection

Around 2100 pieces. Most of the collection came into the Museum before the existing collections policy and has limited provenance or associated information.  However, some items do have information and fit with the current collections management policy for example medals awarded to local people. The collection documentation process is ongoing and there is a current project to re-pack all the coins for improved care and storage.

All numbers below are estimated

Roman coins: Around 541

British coins: More than 600

Medals: 470

Paranumismatica: Around 450 objects, mostly British

Other: Approximately 160 badges, 2 cowrie shells, 1 X toy cash register and money, approx 25 money boxes, 4 bank notes

Specific strengths: British and Roman coinage.

Library: N/A

Databases

Database used: Adlib

Proportion of collection on database: 100%

How much detail in database entries? This varies. The information available depends on when items were accessioned. Older accessions tend to have limited details but more recent acquisitions have much greater detail.

Are images incorporated? Records do not currently include images but museum staff are working to change this. At present only a very small percentage of the collection has been photographed.

Is the database accessible to the public? The Database is not currently accessible to the public. However, some of the museum’s finest objects are available to view online at http://www.gmmg.org.uk/our-connected-history/

Is the database publicly accessible online? See above.

Display

Are there permanent numismatic displays? Yes, there is a small display of Roman coins in the permanent exhibition at the Museum.

Is numismatic material incorporated into more general displays? Coins and tokens may be on display in temporary exhibitions.

Is there a facility for temporary exhibitions? Yes.

Have there been numismatic exhibitions in the past? If so, what? No.

Access to the collection

Is there a study facility? No but collections can be viewed by appointment

Is equipment (balances, magnifying glasses, etc.) provided? Basic object handling equipment is provided.

Public engagement with numismatic collection

Is there a handling collection? Yes.

Are numismatic collections used in Education sessions? Yes.

Do numismatic collections feature in gallery talks, lectures? Yes, where appropriate.

Are there other engagement activities based around numismatic collections? No.

ID and public enquiries

Does the museum offer a service for identifying objects and other public enquiries? The museum will answer enquiries where possible or alternatively forward them to Manchester Museum.

Curatorial knowledge

Is there any numismatic expertise in-house? If so, who, and in what areas? No.

Is there access to external expertise? If so, who and in what areas? Yes, Greater Manchester Museums Group and Manchester Museum.

If there is expertise in-house, is there a willingness/capacity to share that with other museums? N/A