Decision details

This decision relates to one new loan request and two loan renewals for items in the Ipswich Borough Council Museum collections.

1. The Hold, Suffolk Archives (IPSMG.LO.2024.04)

This loan is for a temporary exhibition, Crime and Punishment, and relates to fourteen objects in the Ipswich Borough Council collections – the list of items are in the PDF attached.

The exhibition is in its early planning stages, but will focus on themes such as transportation, the justice system and crime prevention.

A feature of the exhibition will be the story of Margaret Catchpole, a local woman who served the Cobbold family and was arrested for stealing a horse and escaping Ipswich Goal before being transported to Australia. The exhibition will highlight her experiences and bring together relevant items from a range of institutions to illustrate her journey.

The exhibition provides an opportunity to display Ipswich Museum objects, of which all but one are currently in store, whilst Ipswich Museum is under redevelopment and continue a mutually beneficial relationship with Suffolk Archives.

2. Colchester Castle Museum (IPSMG:LO.2022.4)

IPSMG:R.1895.22 – Wooden ducking chair, pre-1830 from the Old Customs House, Ipswich

Background:

In 2022 Ipswich leant four items to Colchester Castle Museum for the temporary exhibition ‘Wicked Spirits’, developed in partnership with the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic at Boscastle in Cornwall. The exhibition was well received with over 3600 visitors (as part of the general visitor figures with Castle entry). Staff would like to continue to display IPSMG:R.1895.22 – Ducking chair in Colchester Castle Museum, continuing to tell its’ story.

The chair was on display in Ipswich Museum and would go into storage if it returned to Ipswich whilst the Museum is closed for redevelopment.

The extension of the loan agreement for this object, therefore, provides an opportunity to promote Ipswich Museum’s collection, particularly while Ipswich Museum is closed to the public for a major redevelopment, whilst increasing the public’s knowledge, understanding and appreciation of social history.

3. National Horse Racing Museum, Newmarket (LO.2015.02)

Background

The National Horse Racing Museum have requested the renewal of the loan of The Hawking Party by Jan Wyck, c. 1700, oil on canvas (IPSMG: R.1935.304). Displayed in the Packard Galleries, Palace House, the Hawking Party forms an integral part of the displays and is well received by visitors. Ipswich Museum staff have no current plans for use should it be returned.

The decision to approve this request is subject to updated environmental readings being sent for review by the Conservation Officer and confirmation that appropriate insurance is still in place.

1. The Hold, Suffolk Archives (IPSMG.LO.2024.04)

To approve the loan of items:

Loan commences: 13th October 2025

Loan ends: 23rd Jan 2026

Exhibition dates: 25 Oct 2025 – 18 Jan 2026

2. Colchester Castle Museum (IPSMG:LO.2022.4)

Approve:

Loan commences: 30th June 2024

Loan ends: 30th June 2026

3. National Horse Racing Museum, Newmarket (LO.2015.02)

Approve. The decision made is to agree the renewal of the loan of this painting. This loan provides an opportunity to promote Ipswich Museum’s collection to a wider audience.