The Archive will be closed from Monday 16 December, re-opening on Monday 6 January 2025.
Resources to support community groups
If you can’t come and visit us at the Archive we have lots of free resources to support work with older people and people living with Dementia.
You’ll find all the details below. We also run artist-led projects with older people, using the collection to inspire creativity and develop new skills or rediscover old ones – as well as having fun and meeting new people. Have a look at the Past Projects section to see what we’ve been up to.
If you’d like to bring your group to visit the Archive you’ll find all the info you need on our Community visits page.
Free Digital Resources
Marking Moments
Marking Moments is our regular, free, seasonal newsletter containing archive images and activities to try at home. Notes are provided in each issue, giving more information to aid in-depth discussion. Choose from some of our past editions, or contact us to be added to our Marking Moments mailing list.
Image Packs
Download our free, themed image packs containing large, colourful images with notes and tips for getting everyone talking.
Stories from Sheet Music resource pack
Did you know that sheet music was a bestselling product at M&S in the 1910s?
Music can be beneficial for people living with dementia by reducing anxiety and lifting mood.
Use our free resource pack and recordings to help your group discover our collection of sheet music. The pack is divided into six themes, each theme has activities, archive images to aid conversation and more information about the music.
We’d love to know if you’ve used these resources. Drop us a line with your feedback or Tweet us @MandSHeritage or @LeedsPiano.
This project was generously funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Store photographs
Take a look at photographs of M&S stores through the years.
Vintage cinema adverts
Explore our vintage cinema adverts.
Memory Boxes
Our Memory Boxes contain original clothing and accessories dating from the 1940s to the 1970s to be used as memory and conversation prompts.
This picture shows an example memory box, please note that the contents of the box you receive may vary slightly.
Our Memory Boxes are proving so popular that we’ve had to temporarily close the waiting list. Make the most of the fantastic free reminiscence resources listed above, which you can print or share on a screen.
Outreach Visits
We offer free reminiscence outreach visits to care settings across Leeds. We’ll bring a memory box containing vintage clothing and accessories, and run a reminiscence session with your group. Contact us below for more information.
