Designation

The Designation Scheme identifies the pre-eminent collections of national and international importance held in England's non-national museums, libraries and archives, based on their quality and significance. These inspiring collections represent a vital part of our national cultural and artistic heritage.

The Scheme recognises that organisations with Designated collections care for a significant part of England's cultural heritage. It was launched in 1997 for museums only, and extended to libraries and archives in 2005. The Scheme now covers over 100 collections held in museums, libraries and archives.

Benefits of the Scheme
Applying for Designated status
Designation Panel
Logo guidelines 

 Full list of Designated collections (PDF 341KB)
 Promoting Designated collections: A guide for museums, libraries and archives with Designated collections (PDF 112KB)

Designation Updates

 Designation Update Spring Issue 2008 (PDF 479KB)

Contacting the Designation Team

For further information on the Designation Scheme, please contact any member of our Designation Team:

Yvette Burrows and Isabel Wilson
Designation Managers (Job Share) 
Email: designation@mla.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 7273 8274