Taking Stock

Rethinking the collection

We are learning from different perspectives by collaborating with people and city-wide partners. Rethinking the collection has already led to some changes in the galleries and it will enable more in future. It is exciting to imagine what we don’t yet know, what stories might emerge and what might change.

Collection Review – Rutherston Loans Scheme

In 1925 Charles Rutherston donated almost 500 artworks to the gallery on the condition that they would be loaned to art schools and galleries to enrich the lives and contribute to the education of ordinary people.

100 years on emerging artists are exploring what value this collection continues to hold.

Collection Review – Furniture

Manchester Art Gallery is currently undertaking a review of the gallery’s furniture collection to understand it’s history, significance, and future use.
This is part of a wider review of our collections, their purpose and how they can best be used for the benefit of the people of Manchester and beyond. The review has drawn on the advice of a historic furniture and textile specialists, combined with condition assessments (by our Conservation Team) and significance and use assessments (by our Curators).  We are following Museum Association Guidelines for collection review and disposal which requires consultation with stakeholders as part of the review process and prioritises transfer to other museums and galleries in the first instance, followed by other organisations who provide public access and can offer appropriate levels of care.

Platt Hall Inbetween

We are working with local residents and communities to make Platt Hall into a vital and creative space at the heart of its local neighbourhood.