The Money and Medals Network (MMN) is a vital part in the British numismatic world. It connects institutions, contributes to revitalize collections, and trains people in museums. In 2018 an entire exhibition was dedicated to the achievements of the MMN. Now the Arts Council England has decided not to continue funding and the network is facing very hard times.
Gareth Williams, Curator of Early Medieval Coins and Viking Collections at the British Museum published a note on this decision and what it means for the MMN in the latest MMN newsletter. We re-publish this here as follows:
“We regret to announce that Arts Council England (ACE) have decided not to continue the Money and Medals Network (MMN) in the current round of funding. This means that the range of activities of the MMN are being cut back. At present, Henry Flynn continues as MMN Project Curator until the end of September 2021, managing the completion of various projects agreed as part of the ACE funding, but delayed because of COVID. Henry is also continuing to wrap up assessment visits to regional museums and organize training sessions. Henry’s time until September is covered by existing MMN funds and a donation from the Royal Numismatic Society (RNS).
The RNS have generously offered additional funding for the next few years, and the British Numismatic Society have also indicated that they may be able to help, but it is unlikely that this will enable us to continue to operate at quite the same level, although we are hopeful that both the Newsletter and regular training sessions will continue as before, while plans are also under way for a new and improved website. Further updates will be provided in the next edition of the MMN Newsletter.”
Open Future – Help Needed?
Gareth Williams informed CoinsWeekly that he is currently in discussions as to what MMN “may be able to continue to do going forward, and how much this will cost.” If you feel like offering help or if you want to know how you could support MMN, please get directly in touch with Gareth Williams.
MMN Summer Online Training Opportunities
This summer the Money and Medals Network is still offering two online “train the trainer” events featuring speakers from the British Museum designed to pass on skills and expertise to people in museums that can then be shared with colleagues across the sector:
- Train the Trainer: Medieval Coinage – Friday 30th July 2021, 10:00-14:30
- Train the Trainer: Iron Age and Roman Coinage – Friday 27th August 2021, 10:00-14:30
Both these sessions will be held via Zoom and are free to attend, but booking is essential. If you are working or volunteering with museum numismatic collections and would like to book a place, please email the MMN stating your name and the institution you will be representing.
For further information or to subscribe to the newsletter for free, visit the MMN website.
In December 2021 the MMN trainings went digital, read more here.
We presented Henry Flynn in our Who’s who.
