Where there’s a will

A Member is seeking an answer to a question which we thought should be shared with you and another has asked for guidance of including the Trust in their will.

“Like many other enthusiasts, in more than sixty years I’ve acquired quite a large collection and variety of books and other paperwork; some of which are now quite rare, and it would be nice to think that in due course they will be of use to others for enjoyment and reference. In the absence of any relatives or acquaintances who would treasure them no doubt the Trust should be the recipient of all those which meet your criteria. While limited space, and possibility the terms of your charitable status, might rule out having the whole lot delivered to you, have you a definition of those items which you would welcome? Unfortunately there is no inventory because every time I start to make one it never gets beyond the first book which has to be taken out to check its publication date or edition — it’s always too tempting to re-read it and the inventory gets no further. Apart from the obvious examples my Executors are unlikely to be able to decide with any certainty which books meet your requirements, but when the need arises there should be an opportunity for someone to view the library and select any suitable items.”

Generally, a donated item will be accepted unless it duplicates something already held and permission has not been given for it to be disposed of at the Trustees’ discretion, there is insufficient storage space or there is only a tenuous connection to Alvis.

We would not dispose of an accessioned artefact unless the donor has given permission for its disposal, or it is possible to trade it in order to acquire a superior specimen, or it cannot be kept safely (in which case it is expected that it should be passed to another charity or museum with more suitable resources).

Where possible we will ask potential donors to sign an Entry Form stating their expectations or requirements including whether they may be sent on loan to a suitable museum to allow for proper preservation, security and enhanced public access.

Since the donation may be made by Executors it is advisable for donors to be as specific as possible as to what is to be included and whether it may be disposed of.

If you have any other questions, please leave a reply. A separate page sets out our Collections Policy