The Thomas Layton Collection met on Monday 6 October 2025, where trustees noted the draft accounts for the year ending 31 December 2024 and received an update on the Museum of London's Secrets of the Thames exhibition. Discussions also took place regarding the relocation of the collection and the future of the Gunnersbury Stables.

Update on Trust Accounts/Investments

Samantha Grey-Wilson, Hounslow's Strategic Finance Manager Commercial and Projects, presented the draft accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees noted the draft accounts. Samantha also confirmed that she would liaise with Kate Sumnall at the Museum of London regarding an outstanding invoice for work to protect items containing asbestos. Trustees' details will be required before the planned transfer of funds from BlackRock to Cazenove can be completed, and the Clerk was tasked with sending out the necessary questionnaire.

Museum of London Update

Kate Sumnall, Curator at the Museum of London, provided an update on the Secrets of the Thames exhibition, which opened on 4 April 2025 and runs until 1 March 2026. The exhibition features over 250 mudlarked objects, along with artworks and items from the Museum's collections. The exhibition has received positive reviews and is attracting high visitor numbers. Kate offered trustees a guided tour of the exhibition.

Work continues on auditing, barcoding, and repacking the Museum's collections in preparation for its move from London Wall to West Smithfield. The General Store, containing 1069 objects from the Layton Collection, has been completed and is ready for relocation. The Museum is also focusing on upgrading its online presence and content, with curators updating database records. Regarding collection items containing asbestos, a new colleague is working on providing an update.

The Museum also used objects from the Layton Collection for a talk on Medieval and Early Modern base metal toys and miniatures as part of the Totally Thames Festival.

Moving the Collection to Stockroom

Adam Grounds provided an update on the move of the Layton Collection from the London Metropolitan Archive (LMA) to Stockroom. He agreed that a note could be drafted for the Layton website confirming that items can now be ordered, but cautioned that the search function for the upgraded catalogue was less user-friendly than before. Claire Powell, Library Service Manager, noted that the Hounslow libraries catalogue was more basic and did not interface well with the upgraded Layton Collection catalogue, though including 'Layton' in the search field improved results. James Wisdom highlighted the importance of the catalogue functioning well for residents in Brentford.

Gunnersbury Stables Update

Howard Simmons reported that the situation regarding Gunnersbury Park was less optimistic, with the buildings now vulnerable to damage and graffiti due to delays in the bidding process. He suggested reconsidering the original concept for the stables and the local studies idea, noting that the museum's National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status with funding from the Arts Council might be an avenue to explore. James Wisdom reflected on the lengthy process and the need to ensure continued council support. Councillor Salman Shaheen acknowledged the points raised and offered his support, mentioning discussions with Ben Knowles, the Council's Director of Culture, Communications and Engagement. James Wisdom proposed spending time developing the Trust, and Val Bott shared findings from research into how other councils have managed their collections, suggesting a similar approach could be taken at Gunnersbury. Howard Simmons offered to connect his contact at Historic England with Councillor Shaheen. James Wisdom suggested that the project had stalled due to insufficient emphasis on sustainability and cost savings. Howard agreed that the proposal had not been pitched perfectly and suggested reaffirming alliances and involving all stakeholders. James Wisdom stressed the importance of considering the impact on local roads and the park itself, and investing in greening the park.

Minutes of the meeting held on 1 July 2025 and Matters Arising

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 July 2025 were agreed as a correct record. Matters arising included the follow-up on invoicing for asbestos work at the Museum of London, and an update on insurance for the Layton Collection. Andrew Wood briefed trustees on three insurance options, with a specialist works of art policy from Aon being the preferred option. Ruth Baker, the Council's Insurance Manager, was to report back on a quote from Aon. James Wisdom explained the decision to prioritise affordability and a policy that would conserve items from fire and water damage, noting the prohibitive cost of replacement. He also mentioned his ongoing efforts to secure insurance for the Collection at Stockroom, despite a technical issue with his computer. Adam Grounds confirmed he had provided Ruth Baker with details of estimated conservation costs and held a copy of the Hiscox insurance policy.

Date of next meeting

The date of the next scheduled meeting was noted as Wednesday 4 March 2026. It was agreed that this meeting would be held in a hybrid format.