New Exhibition opens at The Hold
Suffolk Archives’ latest exhibition Beyond Labels: Celebrating Disability in Suffolk opens at The Hold in Ipswich on 27th February.
It’s part of a project made possible by a £139,107 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund designed to spark conversations about accessibility, equality, and the work that’s still needed.
The exhibition explores themes including visibility, independent living, discrimination, and how national campaigns, and social and political changes have impacted lives in Suffolk. Visitors can also explore the histories of organisations, schools, and charities that work with and support local disabled people.
It was co-curated with local community groups and Suffolk Archives.
The exhibition explores local stories like the actions taken by parents after their children were labelled “uneducable” following the Education Act 1944. Parents like Jean Thompson set up the Lowestoft and District Society for Mentally Handicapped Children, which appointed a home visitor, opened a special care unit and occupation centre, providing essential support and opportunities that the state system had denied.
Wartime experiences are highlighted in a range of archival records, covering topics like limb loss, shell shock, or PTSD, and other long-term health conditions. Coming up to present day it explores hidden disabilities which impact on an individual’s day-to-day life, promoting awareness and understanding.
As part of Beyond Labels, Suffolk Archives, a Suffolk County Council service, worked with more than 30 local community groups and schools on a community art illustration called Unlabelled.
It’s created from 150 giant labels that have been decorated to represent lived experience of disability, and themes of access, visibility, and representation. They will be displayed in the foyer of The Hold during the exhibition.
Cllr Nadia Cenci, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said, “Beyond Labels is a fantastic exhibition that highlights the experiences and achievements of disabled people in Suffolk. It’s an important project that helps raise awareness, challenge barriers, and encourage greater understanding and inclusion across our communities. I’m proud to see Suffolk Archives working with local groups to bring these stories to light.”
Liz Bates, Director, England, Midlands and East at The National Heritage Lottery Fund, said, “The National Lottery Heritage Fund is committed to supporting projects that encourage greater inclusion, access, and participation within heritage. Beyond Labels: Celebrating Disability is a brilliant example of this in action. Thanks to funding from National Lottery players, Suffolk Archives have recorded and preserved the stories of people with disabilities in Suffolk, past and present, so that their lives can be shared and celebrated.”
Beyond Labels: Celebrating Disability in Suffolk runs 27th February to 30th May at The Hold in Ipswich, home of Suffolk Archives. There’s an accompanying series of walks, talks, workshops, and family activities. Find out more at suffolkarchives.co.uk