Community Groups & Reminiscence

Exhibition visits
The archive in Leeds is full of treasures that can evoke memories and help with reminiscence. Relive the fashions of the past with our clothing collection, remember the tastes of the yesterday with our food packaging and see if you can spot something familiar amongst our homeware and toys.

To arrange a free guided tour of the exhibition with a handling and reminiscence session, contact us on 0208 7182800 or email us at company.archive@marksandspencer.com

All groups will be offered free refreshments. Our building is fully wheelchair accessible and we have two blue badge spaces that can be used by groups visiting in minibuses.

Memory Boxes
Reminiscence therapy can improve mood, wellbeing and some mental abilities such as memory. Our Memory Boxes contain original clothing and accessories that can be used as memory prompts and to stimulate conversation.

The boxes can be borrowed free of charge for a maximum of two weeks, contact us on 0208 7182800 or email us at company.archive@marksandspencer.com for more information.

Stories from M&S Sheet Music

Did you know that sheet music was a bestselling product at M&S in the 1910s? Music can be beneficial for people with dementia by reducing anxiety and lifting mood. We've created a free resource pack and made recordings of music held in the archive to help your group explore our collection of sheet music. Find out more here.

Image Packs
To complement the Memory Boxes, download our free image packs containing large colourful images with notes and tips for the group leader:

• The 1940s Image Pack
• The 1950s Image Pack
• The 1960s Image Pack
• The 1970s Image Pack
• Christmas Image Pack
• Autumn Image Pack
• Image Pack Guidelines

Our regular, free, seasonal newsletter contains images, a 'This Month in History' feature, and activities to try at home. Carers' notes are provided for each issue, giving more information to aid more in-depth discussion. Download it here.