Relocation of 2,400 Objects for Bletchley Park Museum

Bletchley Park, once the top-secret home of World War Two codebreakers, is now a museum and vibrant heritage attraction managed by the Bletchley Park Trust. Bishop’s Move was selected to provide the ideal solution for relocating the collection materials to the new on-site stores.

Project Scope

Bishop’s Move was tasked with relocating approximately 2,400 objects stored on 400 shelves. The collection included a mixture of large, heavy items and small, unboxed objects, all requiring a shelf-to-shelf service. The project was planned over two phases, as the existing racking was to be reused to populate the new stores.

Client's Requirements

The client required meticulous handling and relocation services, including:

• Attendance at all planning meetings
• Bespoke packing methodology
• Management of daily manifests and move programme
• Accurate object and shelf labelling at both locations
• Archive packing and unpacking onto the relevant shelf positions

Detailed Project Execution

The Move

Items Moved: 2,400 Objects
Moved From: Bletchley Park Campus
Moved To: Bletchley Park Campus
Number of Phases: 2
Key Concerns:

• Uneven distribution of weight and delicate parts on objects.
• Individual wrapping and hand-carrying of objects where possible.
• Access restrictions and live environments.

Execution and Management

The project involved relocating the collection over two phases. Each item was individually labelled and wrapped in acid-free paper before being packed into individual crates and moved in strict sequential order to minimise risk to the collections.

Due to access restrictions and the uneven distribution of weight and delicate parts, each object was hand-carried. Additionally, Bishop’s Move relocated the clothing/uniform collection, numerous plan chests and their contents, as well as the Bletchley Park Library collection. An impermeable walkway was installed to ensure safe movement of items, regardless of weather conditions. The 12-14 person team completed the move over 10 shifts.

Key Achievements

• Accurate Labelling and Packing: Each object was individually labelled, wrapped, and packed with precision, ensuring their safety during the move.
• Efficient Coordination: The dedicated team managed daily manifests and the move programme effectively, ensuring a smooth relocation process.
• Handling Delicate Items: Despite access restrictions and the delicate nature of the objects, the team successfully hand-carried items where necessary.
• Weather-Resistant Solutions: The installation of an impermeable walkway ensured safe movement of objects in adverse weather conditions.

Conclusion

Bishop’s Move demonstrated expertise and precision in managing the complex relocation of Bletchley Park Museum's collection. Through meticulous planning, bespoke packing methods, and effective project management, Bishop’s Move successfully executed the move, ensuring the preservation and safe relocation of 2,400 objects. This case study highlights Bishop's Move's capability to deliver high-quality relocation services, reinforcing their reputation as a reliable partner for intricate and delicate relocation projects.