The Thomas Layton Collection met to discuss the future of the collection, including updates on its cataloguing and its relationship with the new London Museum. The meeting also considered the implications of a council consultation on extending library opening hours.

Update on the Thomas Layton Collection Cataloguing Project

A report was scheduled to provide an update on the cataloguing project for the Thomas Layton Collection. This project aims to catalogue the remaining uncatalogued books stored at the Stockroom facility in Woolwich. The work, to be supervised by Adam Grounds, Local Studies and Archives Manager, was planned to use a spreadsheet-based approach with information subsequently entered onto council systems. Volunteers, including trustees, were expected to assist with the cataloguing, which would also help identify books requiring conservation and rebinding, thereby establishing priorities for future preservation work. Consideration was also being given to making catalogue information more readily available online, incorporating keyword searching and other cataloguing standards to improve accessibility. Val Bott had been working with Adam Grounds and James Marshall on drafting short descriptions of books from the collection to encourage user engagement. The report was also expected to mention the possibility of grant funding for this work, which often requires the Trust to provide initial seed funding from its available reserves.

London Museum Update

An update was scheduled from Kate Sumnall, Curator of London's Prehistory at the London Museum, regarding activities related to the Thomas Layton Collection. The London Museum continues to care for the collection and is undertaking a large-scale programme of auditing, cataloguing, repacking, and relocation as part of preparations for the opening of its new site in November 2026. The report was expected to detail progress on storage collections, and enhancements to cataloguing standards, photography, and online discoverability. The museum's educational engagement and research activities were also to be discussed, including how Layton Collection objects feature in school engagement work and digital learning sessions. The report was anticipated to address the number of schools in Brentford and the wider borough included in this engagement, and whether schools self-selected or were approached by the museum. Further details were expected regarding objects from the collection that contain asbestos, and the ongoing discussions concerning encapsulation and treatment works required for their safe handling and movement. Councillor Marcela Benedetti was expected to highlight opportunities to strengthen links with local schools and offer support in promoting the museum's educational programmes. The potential for the Trust to offer financial support towards costs associated with the museum's move was also to be discussed.

Consultation on Extension of Hounslow Libraries Opening Hours

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the Council's ongoing consultation regarding the extension of Hounslow libraries' opening hours. The report was expected to outline the likely implications of these proposed changes for the Thomas Layton Collection. Further information on the consultation is available on the Council's Let's Talk webpages.

Update on Trust Accounts and Investments

A verbal update was scheduled on the Trust's accounts and investments. This would follow the audit and clearance of the Trust's accounts for the period ending 31 December 2025. The report was expected to note that the Trust's investment funds had increased in value, with investment income and expenditure remaining modest. Discussions were anticipated regarding the transfer of investments and the available reserves, and their potential uses for conservation projects, supporting cataloguing work, match funding grant applications, and responding to future challenges.

Gunnersbury Park Proposals

A verbal update was scheduled regarding proposals connected with Gunnersbury Park. This would provide background on previous Lottery-funded ambitions to create a local history and archive centre using the Gunnersbury Stables complex. The aspiration to create a permanent heritage hub accommodating the Thomas Layton Collection, alongside local archives from both Hounslow and Ealing boroughs, was expected to be discussed. The report was likely to address the financial pressures faced by both councils and the constraints on progress due to the availability of external funding, as well as the substantial capital investment that would be required for such a project.

Election of Chair

The meeting was scheduled to address the election of a new Chair for the Trust, following the resignation of the current Chair, James Wisdom. Nominations were to be invited from the remaining trustees for the role.

Other Business

Councillor Craig Owen was scheduled to raise a suggestion for further consideration regarding ways to increase the visibility of the Thomas Layton Collection within Brentford and across the borough. This was expected to include improved visibility within libraries, greater use of digital content, enhanced website material, and potential future exhibitions.