the Depot explained

Operation

Management

The location of the objects in the depot is managed via barcodes. These are jointly printed on acid-free labels with the object number and attached to the object with acid-free cotton tape. All shelves in the depot have a barcode which enables retrieval of all objects by linking the barcodes of the objects to the barcodes on the racks.

Packaging

Appropriate packaging is essential in order to store the objects in the most optimal way possible. The vulnerability of the object, ex. avoiding tension at weak points and contact with harmful surfaces, and sufficient air circulation are factors that play a role, as is the general environmental climate (humidity and temperature) of extreme importance.

Photography

High-quality digital photographs of each piece in the collection are essential for registration and disclosure. A good photograph gives immediate information about the object and its condition, and the photos can be used for publication.

Reproductions request

Research

The depot has a workspace where objects can be examined. A request for examination is submitted to the Management Committee and in the event of a positive recommendation, practical arrangements are made with the depot manager.

Loan

The museum receives many requests for loans from domestic and foreign institutions. In the interest of the objects, the conditions for admission are strict. In turn, the In Flanders Fields Museum also searches in the collections of other institutions to enrich temporary exhibitions.

loan request

Preservation

Various techniques are used to ensure the preservation of objects. Dry cleaning and dusting with a brush or museum hoover, are carried out by the depot manager himself. Leather is greased to keep it supple and shiny and treatment of more substantial damages is entrusted to specialized restorers.

Building

The depot building was designed by architects Claeys / Haelvoet from Kortrijk and was realized thanks to the cooperation of three investing partners: the city of Ypres, the province of West-Flanders and the Flemish government with the province acted as building proprietor.

The design is mirrored to the Danish model with a thick insulated outer shell that protects against external influences while inside, a non-insulated floor plate buffers temperature fluctuations so there is no need for expensive climate installations. The DEPOTYZE Heritage Depot was awarded the Publica Award in May 2017 in the category of the most technically innovative public building.

Cooperation

The heritage depot is a joint depot and the storage space is shared with various heritage managers from the South Westhoek region. Half is occupied by the collections of the City of Ypres while the other half is reserved for collections from the region managed by CO7.

In addition, the depot is also a recognized depot for the storage of archaeological excavation archives, architectural remnants and an emergency & transit depot for temporary storage (disaster, urgent restoration, the owners death or cessation of heritage association).

Website CO7