Suffolk Archives is pleased to invite you on a family-friendly journey through famous historical moments, all imagined in LEGO® bricks!
Brick History, the next exhibition to come to new heritage centre The Hold, on Ipswich waterfront, opens on Saturday 17 July and runs throughout the summer until the end of September.
From the dawn of the dinosaurs to the space age, LEGO® artist Warren Elsmore and his team have created a celebration of our shared stories, struggles, and triumphs, made from everyone’s favourite Danish toy. From tiny recreations that could fit in your hand, to a 1.5m square medieval castle bustling with activity - how many moments can you recognise?
Exhibition visitors will also see models of local landmarks submitted by members of the public during lockdown last year. The Suffolk community rose to the challenge and finally these special models will be on displayed, accompanied by original archival documents showing the buildings and places depicted.
Councillor Andrew Reid, Portfolio Holder for Heritage at Suffolk County Council, said:
“It is fantastic that Suffolk Archives is able to bring Warren Elsmore’s superb Brick History exhibition to Suffolk this year. We hope that people of all ages will come and discover this fantastic display, which will be complemented beautifully by the local pieces we have received. Brick History is billed as an exhibition ‘filled with models to make you smile, make you think, and inspire you to build a better world’ - and I really hope it will do just that.”
Kicking off the events programme for the exhibition, on Thursday 22 July, LEGO® enthusiast Andrew Webb will be leading A Labour of Love in Lego. This is a new talk looking at how a single LEGO® brick inspired him to painstakingly create a life size replica of the famous Sutton Hoo helmet. Following the event, this magnificent model will remain on display as part of the exhibition for all to see.
On Thursday 29 July, Suffolk Archives introduce a brand new venture with the first session of the new ‘Lates at The Hold’ programme. Based on the now well recognised Lates at the museum style events, these adults only, after hours themed nights encourage participants to come and experience Suffolk Archives as never before! This first free taster session will see participants challenged to a LEGO® brick Mystery Build, competing to see who will be crowned champion. The Café at The Hold will be open throughout the event, serving drinks specially created for the occasion.
A range of Brick History inspired events and activities will be on offer throughout the exhibition run, helping to keep the whole family entertained this summer:
- Tuesdays and Saturdays: Make Suffolk out of LEGO® bricks.
- Wednesdays: Let’s Get Crafty - a choice of free or premium sessions.
- Fridays: Creative workshops with Rock Paper Scissors.
- Saturdays throughout August: Cinema Club featuring The Lego Movie, The Lego Movie 2, The Lego Batman Movie and The Lego Ninjago Movie.
Emily Shepperson, Exhibition and Interpretation Officer for Suffolk Archives said:
“The Brick History exhibition offers so many possibilities in terms of interpretation and outreach and we are really pleased to be working with some fantastic partners to offer a broad range of activities related to what is on display. We hope families will enjoy exploring the exhibition and then joining in with a craft activity or build session. For most of the school holidays, we will be offering a full day of fun, all under one roof!”
Booking details
The Brick History exhibition is open seven days a week from Saturday 17 July until Monday 27 September. Tickets can be purchased in advance through TicketSource: www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolk-archives
Full details and ticket booking for all events, including family events, Lates and the talks programme, are available on the Suffolk Archives website: www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson
