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Borrowing from the Whitworth

The Whitworth believes in making its collections widely available.

The Gallery welcomes requests to borrow works for exhibitions or displays that contribute to the knowledge and understanding of a subject. Prospective borrowers are encouraged to carry out preliminary research before submitting a request and make early contact to discuss object selection. There is a 12-month lead in time for putting a request in writing, to the Director.

All loans must comply with the Whitworth’s standard conditions of loan (link to document). Our loans policy (link to document) provides further information on broad principles governing loans from its collection.

Immunity from Seizure

The Whitworth can provide immunity from seizure under Part 6 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. This Act provides protection from seizure for cultural objects from abroad on loan to temporary exhibitions in approved museums and galleries in the UK, where conditions are met when the object enters the UK.

The conditions are:

  • The object is usually kept outside the UK
  • The object is not owned by a person who is resident in UK
  • Importing the object does not contravene any law
  • The object is brought into UK for the purpose of a temporary public exhibition at an approved museum or gallery
  • The museum or gallery has published information about the object

There are no exhibitions at the gallery with protected works at present. All works currently being proposed for or covered by immunity from seizure in the UK are linked to the Arts Council’s website.

Security, Facilities and Environment

Where possible, the provision of a UK Registrars' Group Facilities Report(Opens in new window) is preferable, along with the Security Supplement(Opens in new window) and Display Supplement(Opens in new window). Details of environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, lighting etc.) should also be provided for review.

Costs

The Whitworth does not charge a loan fee; however, the borrower will be asked to meet all direct costs connected with a loan, including:

  • Preparation of work(s)
  • Transportation and shipping
  • Case hire or construction
  • Accommodation and subsistence costs of the Gallery courier
  • Crating and packing materials
  • Insurance premiums
  • Photography

Photography and Reproduction

The borrower must include the Whitworth’s credit line for the work(s) on display, in the exhibition catalogue and related publications.

Please contact imagereproductions@manchester.ac.uk or uksales@bridgemanimages.com to request photographic material and reproduction rights.