Electrokinetica - Our mission

Proposed mission of Electrokinetica

Principal aims

To acquire, conserve, restore and exhibit electrical and electronic artefacts, and associated technical, engineering, domestic and industrial artefacts
To display the collection of artefacts in authentic settings where possible and in working order where consistent with conservational aims, with emphasis on interaction between visitors and artefacts
To interpret the displayed artefacts in an informative manner compatible with the authenticity of the presentation
To facilitate education about the history, principles and practice of electrical technology and related subjects
To promote and carry out crafts and practices relevant to conservation, restoration and repair of electrical and similar artefacts
To acquire, conserve and make available for research an archive of material relating to electrical artefacts and the history of electrical technology and related subjects, and to promote and carry out such research

Policy on working exhibits, restoration and conservation

One of the main targets of Electrokinetica’s ‘hands-on’ format is to show many exhibits in working order. By this approach we aim to offer the most informative and interesting visitor experience that we can create, while helping to keep alive the skills and knowledge required to maintain the exhibits. The need to repair and service our working items will sometimes conflict with the need to conserve the collection in original condition for research. Where appropriate we will seek to acquire artefacts in duplicate or multiple, so that examples can be conserved using the best available techniques while others are subjected to wear and tear. In some cases it will be unnecessary to duplicate as the deterioration arising specifically from use will be minimal, whilst in others it will be impossible to acquire more than one example; each situation will be assessed on its own merits. Multimedia presentations can be used to interpret items which for conservation or safety reasons cannot be displayed in working order.

Looking further ahead

The museum and its collection are presently being developed by a group of enthusiasts. The long term aim is to form a charitable trust to operate and develop it into resource of national significance, because we consider this approach to offer the greatest chance of survival and the best return on invested resources. A permanent and publicly accessible museum is considered to be an essential part of the final configuration.