What RAMM collects
RAMM owes the wealth of its extraordinary collections to its origins in the 1860s. Its predecessor, the Devon & Exeter Albert Memorial, was created through public subscription. Early donations helped to establish RAMM’s collecting priorities. When it opened in 1868 the collections centred around four subject areas – Antiquities, Art, Ethnography and Natural History. These areas remain the focus for collecting. However, the museum’s acquisition policies have evolved over the years.
Collections Development Policy
RAMM reviews its Collections Development Policy at least every five years. This ensures the museum’s collections remain relevant and reflect contemporary society. The 2020-2025 policy is available in a fully accessible format. Changes from the previous policy include selective acquisition of contemporary art and photographs. It also discusses the thorny issue of collecting born-digital material.
RAMM’s Collections Team discusses every item offered to the museum at monthly meetings. RAMM only accepts items that meet criteria in the Collections Development Policy. Having this policy is essential for accredited museums.
Donating items
If you have an item you would like to offer RAMM please contact us. A curator will be in touch with you. Please provide as much information as you can about the object’s history. Useful information includes when and where it was made or collected and who owned it. If the item came from overseas the museum may ask for the import / export documents. Sending a photograph of the item is really helpful.
Please do not send items in the post or bring items to the museum until you have spoken to a curator.
The pages below address some frequently asked questions.