Home Get involved

Loan costs

How much will it cost to borrow an object from Wellcome Collection?

We don’t charge a loan fee, or for condition reporting, photography relevant to the loan, or for any conservation work that can be done in-house.

We aim to reuse, recycle and repurpose exhibition mounts, crates and materials wherever possible.

We seek to recoup any other costs associated with the loan which could include, but are not limited to: mounting and framing (carried out by an external contractor); commissioning of new frames where necessary; production of book cradles or object mounts; conservation work that cannot be carried out in-house, including cost of initial assessment visit.

We will endeavour to give you as accurate an indication of costs as possible in advance, but it should be noted that this isn’t always achievable, as sometimes things can take longer than expected to prepare. There may also be costs at the end of the loan, such as de-framing/mounting, rehousing, or conservation. These will also be indicated wherever possible, but might not become apparent until the loan is back with us.

Below are some approximate costs for different types of objects. These are for illustration purposes only and may vary significantly, depending on the needs of the object.

Approximate costs

Flat works

Cost per item, including materials and tech time (assuming reuse of existing frame from Wellcome stock)

  • Small (approx. A4): £55
  • Medium (approx. A3): £85
  • Large (approx. A2): £115

Flat works with new frame

Cost per item, including materials and tech time (costs vary considerably, depending on specification of glazing used).

  • Small: £200–455
  • Medium: £260–585
  • Large: £355–1,000

Books / 3D

New cradle or support (costs may vary according to material – card, acrylic, brass, etc).

  • Small: £75
  • Medium: £90
  • Large: £120
  • External specialist treatment (half a day): £120

Painting

External specialist assessment (including an estimate for any work needed on the painting. Estimates will be agreed with borrower before work commences).

  • Half a day: £210

Historic frame

External specialist assessment (including an estimate for any work needed on the frame. Estimates will be agreed with borrower before work commences).

  • Half a day: £200