Special Delivery
Uniting different generations in a creative exploration of the art of communication
Introduction
Inspired by letters and other documents held in the Suffolk Archives and county museums, and guided by a team of artists including theatre-makers, creative writers, visual and digital artists, there were different generations who came together to explore the art of communication.
Working in primary schools and residential care homes in three distinct locations – Bury St Edmunds, Lowestoft and Halesworth – Special Delivery took the participants on a journey from personal postcards to collective collages, connecting the two groups as they investigated historical approaches to letter- writing and shared significant correspondence of their own.
Special Delivery created a legacy of resources, including digital interpretation for use by Suffolk Archives, county museums and schools.
Special Delivery Newsletters
In Lowestoft and Halesworth, we produced a newsletter for each programme of work, providing an illustrated journal of the weekly sessions.
All participants were given a copy, as a keepsake of all the beautiful work they made, and all the fun we had making it.
You can read the original PDF copies below, and we have also created web page versions
Roman Hill and Britten Court
Roman Hill Primary School and Britten Court Residential Care Home Newsletter (PDF)
Roman Hill Primary School and Britten Court Residential Care Home Newsletter (web version)
Edgar Sewter and Beech House
Edgar Sewter Primary School and Beech House Residential Care Home Newsletter (PDF)
Edgar Sewter Primary School and Beech House Residential Care Home Newsletter (web version)
Oulton Broad and Broadlands
Oulton Broad Primary School and Broadlands Care Home Newsletter (PDF)
Oulton Broad Primary School and Broadlands Care Home Newsletter (web version)
‘My local heritage seems much more important than I ever thought. Loads of things have changed and it's been super exciting to find out all [about] the things’
Exchanging gifts and communication between the generations
Looking at images of old Lowestoft during a visit to Suffolk Archives
A thank you letter to the Lincolne family whose special collection of letters inspired the project in Halesworth
An introduction via a Special Delivery postcard
Cover of Roman Hill and Britten Court Newsletter (download above)
Cover of Edgar Sewter and Beech House Newsletter (download update)
Special Delivery Showreel
Special Delivery in Halesworth
Special Delivery at Suffolk Archives
Special Delivery in Pakefield
Jessie's Letter
What inspired this project?
This project has been inspired by documents held by Suffolk Archives, illustrating not only how lives have changed over the years, but how we communicate those changes – from hand-written letters and postcards delivered by teatime, to text messages and emojis. Through exploring these collections in creative ways, participants are able to share stories and build connections across the generations.
Project report downloads
Related stories
Blog posts
A Celebratory Tea Party
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to meet you all, you are a credit to your generation.” So said one of the Beech House residents yesterday afternoon, during our second (and […]
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Blog posts
A day full of very special deliveries
Yesterday was a day full of special deliveries – and what fun it was. First, Caitlin and I met up at Suffolk Archives in Lowestoft, to put up an exhibition […]
Find out moreProject contact
Candida Wingate, Senior Project Development Officer (she/her)
Suffolk Artlink
Units 13 & 14
Malt Store Annex
The Cut, 8 New Cut
Halesworth
IP19 8BY
Telephone 07857 002974
Email candida@suffolkartlink.org.uk
Project partners, funders and supporters
Special Delivery is delivered in partnership with Suffolk Archives. It has been made possible thanks to generous funding and support from National Lottery Heritage Fund, Lowestoft Rising, Suffolk Archives and the Association for Suffolk Museums.
