Letters, mix-tapes, your baby’s hospital bracelet or a warm knitted hat from Granny...Families across the UK are being invited to share their most treasured memories for a unique online gallery which launches today (15th May) and the chance to have their items brought to life at the National Media Museum.
Showcasing a treasure trove of meaningful mementos, from a new-born’s first curl to a grandparent’s war medal, the keepsake collection will be available to view online, giving an insight into what our nation holds most dear. From the touching and traditional to the brilliantly bizarre, articles can be photographed and uploaded by anyone in the UK until 12th June; with written entries also accepted.
Launched by the card and gift specialist Hallmark, the Treasured Memory gallery has been built to share the stories behind the UK’s most cherished keepsakes and, through a public voting process, uncover the Nation’s Ultimate Treasured Memory.
To enter a keepsake in to the gallery, participants are asked to submit a photograph or description of their prized possession to http://www.facebook.com/HallmarkUK with all entries also being added into a prize draw to win a Nikon-1 camera.
Following the initial entry period, a panel of expert judges (including me (!!) and Exhibitions and Displays Manager at the National Media Museum, Amanda Chinneck) will create a shortlist of entries to compete in a public vote to be named the UK’s Most Treasured Memory.
The finalists will be shortlisted using a number of criteria, from their ability to capture a unique memorable moment to the comments they inspire within the gallery. Hallmark will also be working in partnership with the National Media Museum, in Bradford, later this year to create opportunities to showcase the final entries.
On the 5th July, the public poll will come to a close and the shortlisted entry with the most votes (at 1pm) will then be named the UK’s Ultimate Treasured Memory. The lucky winner will also receive a fantastic Treasured Memories prize package, worth over £350, which includes the new Nikon-1 camera.
Emma Bragg, judge and Head of Emotions, at Hallmark said:
“In households across the UK there are items hidden in attics, drawers and cabinets that capture a truly memorable moment between loved ones and deserve to be shared with the world. Those belongings may not have any monetary value but, to the families that own them, they will mean the world.
“Through our online gallery we want to create a unique opportunity to showcase these hidden treasures whilst bringing people together to celebrate them. We look forward to seeing what the UK has been hoarding in its homes and unveiling the Nation’s Ultimate Treasured Memory for the very first time.”
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| My Treasured Shakespearean Charms |
This is my treasured keepsake which is a necklace that my husband had made for me using three silver Shakespearean charms that my grandmother gave me when I was a child just before she died. It was a complete surprise when he had my childhood treasures cleaned and put onto a chain. This necklace reminds me of my lovely old Nan and also of how wonderfully thoughtful my husband is.
I am thrilled to be involved in this competition and I think it will be really interesting to hear the stories behind everybody's most treasured keepsakes. I love the idea of sharing these precious memories with each other.
For more information about the Treasured Memory gallery, or to enter a keepsake, please visit http://www.facebook.com/HallmarkUK