The Tank Museum is the world's largest museum dedicated to armoured fighting vehicles and is the home of over 350 vehicles, a large object collection and an accredited archive. The Tank Museums entire Collection has been designated by Arts Council England, in recognition of its outstanding national importance.
Within the Tank Museum. Our volunteer team are at the very heart of the Museum and an integral part of our workforce, working alongside employees of the Tank Museum in a wide variety of roles.
The Archive & Object Collections
The Archive & Object Collections team looks after both the Museum's Archival and Object Collections. The Archive is accredited and a Place of Deposit for The National Archives. It is the UK's foremost research centre on the subject of armoured warfare and holds documents, photographs, technical drawings, microfiche, maps, moving images, books and journals directly related to the Royal Armoured Corps and particularly the Royal Tank Regiment.
The Object Collection consists of objects relating to the Royal Armoured Corps including equipment, uniforms, weapons, stowage, models, and fine art. The Archive & Object Collections department supports, among other things, in-house and external research, on-site and online exhibitions and commercial activities.
We are currently looking for a Collections Volunteer to help us undertake larger projects. These projects are focused on collections care and accessibility through cataloguing.
What will you be doing?
Working within the Archive and Object Collections team to help with documentation and conservation tasks including, but not limited to:
Reviewing and completing inventory checks of the Object Collections vehicle components.
Preventive conservation of objects such as cleaning, re-packing and condition checking the model and webbing collections.
Photographing, re-packing and labelling other object sub-collections.
Repacking and condition checking photographs in the archive (one day per month).
Assisting with housekeeping, environmental checks and pest management.
What will the Museum expect from me?
To have an interest in museum collections and their care.
To be comfortable using computers and willing to learn new software.
To be interested in learning new skills and undertaking training.
Have good attention to detail.
To be happy to work with employees, other volunteers, and visitors.
To abide by the Museum's expected conducts, standards, policies and procedures.
What can I expect from the Museum?
To become part of a welcoming and dedicated team.
The opportunity to learn and develop new skills and experiences.
The opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and make new friends.
Free entry for you and a guest to the Museum; discount in our Restaurant and Shop.
Reimbursement of travel expenses (currently up to £16.50 per day).
Free parking when carrying out volunteering duties.
Who would this suit?
The Archive & Object Collections are open during weekdays and there are volunteering opportunities to meet anyone's availability within that time. This role would suit people who:
Have great attention to detail.
Have good computer skills, ideally with experience in data entry.
Are enthusiastic and interested to learn about the Museum's collection.
Able to occasionally lift and carry objects with assistance.
Basic photography skills, or a willingness to learn.
