Beyond Labels explores themes of visibility, independent living, discrimination, and making change happen. Understand how national campaigns, and social and political changes have impacted lives in Suffolk. As well as discovering the histories of organisations, schools, and charities that work with and support local disabled people.
Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this exhibition is co-curated by local community groups and Suffolk Archives and has enabled communities to share and celebrate their lived experience. Beyond Labels celebrates disability while sparking conversations about accessibility, equality, and the work that’s still needed.
The exhibition will explore local stories such as 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 thus providing essential support and opportunities that the state system had denied.
Lived experience of disability is more and less visible in the historical record at different points in time. Wartime experiences are highlighted in a range of archival records, covering topics such as shell shock, or PTSD, long term health conditions, and individual stories such as that of Frederick Pigeon. Frederick was wounded during World War One, had his right leg amputated and was later fitted for an artificial limb. After the war he settled in Blythburgh where he married Ellen.
Coming up to present day the exhibition will explore hidden disabilities which are not always visible but have an impact on an individual’s day-to-day life, promoting awareness and understanding.
Community Forum member Becca Jakaman said:
“I joined the forum for the Beyond Labels project, I wanted to get more involved with The Hold, and the amazing work they do. As a wheelchair-user, I wanted to offer my lived experience to help make the project as inclusive and open about disability as possible.”
As part of Beyond Labels, Suffolk Archives, a Suffolk County Council service, has been working with more than 30 local community groups and schools on an impressive community art illustration called ‘Unlabelled’. ‘Unlabelled’, is created from 150 giant labels made from sustainably sourced plywood, which have been decorated to represent lived experience of disability, and themes of access, visibility, and representation. The artwork will be displayed in the foyer of The Hold as part of the ‘Beyond Labels’ 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.”
The project has been made possible with a grant of £139,107 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Beyond Labels: Celebrating Disability in Suffolk runs from 27 February to 30 May at The Hold in Ipswich, home of Suffolk Archives. Exhibition pre-bookers get 15% off in Suffolk Archives’ café.
