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The Museum Collection is a real treasure trove of objects from East Lothian's past.
We have all sorts of useful, beautiful and wonderful things including: fine and decorative art, archaeology, ceramics, textiles and costumes, natural history specimens, items illustrating domestic, working and community life and much, much more!
Some of the treasures of the collection are on display at our museums
Information about hundreds of other objects is available online. You can search the collections through the John Gray Centre website or via other online resources at at Trove and Flickr. For collections news and information why not follow us on Facebook?
The reserve collection
Collections not on display are held in our secure, environmentally-controlled store at the Museums Service Headquarters in Haddington. Whilst this is not open to the public, appointments can be arranged to view objects upon request. Please get in touch if you would like information about accessing the reserve collection. You can find out more below.
Donations
The Museums Service receives items by donation, in bequests, via the Treasure Trove system, via purchases and on loan for specific exhibitions. We ensure that all items are handled with care whilst in our custody (whether on display or in transit) and that loan items are returned to their owner when we are finished with them. If you would like to find out more or have an object you might be interested in donating please contact us. Please note that we cannot accept donations without prior arrangement due to the need to quarantine the object/s and ensure that we have a member of staff available to assist you. Our museum collections privacy notice (describing how we protect and use your data) is available to download at the bottom of this page.
Collections Development Policy
Our Collections Development Policy was approved by East Lothian Council in March 2025. It sets out our collecting remit and sets guidelines for recording, conserving and securing the collections. The current policy is available to download at the bottom of this page.
Images
We have large number of images of objects, artworks or photographs in our collections. Please get in touch if you would like a copy of one of our images. More information about fees and charges in relation to copy images is available in the ELC Charges Book.
Museum Collections Store
How to access the Museum Collections Store
Access to Museum Collections
Collections not on display are held in our secure, environmentally-controlled store at the Museums Service Headquarters in Haddington. Whilst this is not open to the public, appointments can be arranged to view objects upon request. Everyone is welcome to access ELC Museums research materials but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
In principle all museum objects and research materials are available for public viewing and study. There are some objects which require more stringent access conditions due to their condition, cultural sensitivity, legal conditions or health and safety requirements. Users will be advised of these conditions when making a booking and it may take longer to arrange access.
All material must be ordered in advance. Requests to view museum objects can be made by contacting us via the details on this page. Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. The Collections Officer will confirm your booking at least one week in advance of your proposed visit and reserve a space for you in the study area or store. Many museum objects have ‘object files’ containing related information. You may request to see these also but only at the time of booking and they will be supplied with the museum objects. If not requested at the time of booking, they may not be available.
We require anyone using the reserve collections or research materials to observe and sign a Code of Practice. This will be sent to you prior to your appointment and can be signed on the day.
How do I know what to ask for?
The John Gray Centre website provides an overview of the collection and allows users to identify the collection areas and specific items that they are interested in.
Where is the Museum Store and what facilities are there?
The Museum Store is located in Haddington. Access to the store is all on one level and there are access to toilets and an area that can be used to consume your own refreshments. The nearest shops are a 15 minute walk away or a short drive by car. There is ample car parking at the Museum Store which is located near to a bus stop.
What happens when I arrive for my appointment?
Please ring the bell to gain entry when you arrive. On entering you will be asked to sign the fire register at the reception desk and you will be issued with a visitor badge. You will need wash your hands and will then be directed to the study area or store. You will need to read and sign the Code of Practice for using ELC Museums Research Materials and will need to provide proof of identity and address, such as a passport, photo driving licence, Young Scot card, a copy of a recent utility bill, or bank or credit card statement.
Using the Study Area or Store
Most of the collection consists of items which are rare, unique or fragile and users are asked to treat the materials with care and respect. You may only use pencils or a laptop to take notes or make drawings, as ink can permanently damage objects.
You will be asked to follow the instructions given by ELCMS staff for the safety and security of the collection. You should wash your hands before and after handling any collection items. Where protective equipment is required (e.g. gloves) this will be provided for the user. Users are responsible for all items issued to them until returned to ELCMS staff. Visitors are asked to respect other users and conduct any necessary discussions quietly. The use of mobile phones or personal audio equipment is not allowed in the study area. Food and drink are not permitted in the study area or store.
Copyright etc. Users should ensure that any information obtained from our collections relating to living individuals is used in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998. Users may make drawings or take digital images for personal research purposes only.
Images can only be published or disseminated in any form with the express permission of ELCMS and there is a separate permission form for this. Where ELC Museums’ objects are referred to in publications we will give the user the appropriate citation information to use.
Where ELC Museums’ collections form part of a research project we will request that a copy of the completed study, whether published or not, be deposited with us for future reference. This may be a digital or hard copy.
