Tape Letters: Ashton-under-Lyne
An exhibition in an unusual space, in this case, Ashton-under-Lyne Market Hall. The Tape Letters project shines light on the practice of recording and sending messages on cassette tape as a mode of communication by Pakistanis who migrated and settled in the UK between 1960-1980.
Drawing directly both from first-hand interviews and from the informal and intimate conversations on the cassettes themselves, the project seeks to unearth, archive and re/present a portrait of this method of communication, as practised mainly by Potwari-speaking members of the British-Pakistani community, commenting on their experiences of migration and identity, commenting on the unorthodox use of cassette tape technology, and commenting on the language used in the recordings.
The project focuses on Pothwari primarily because the majority of cassettes acquired and the majority of the interviews undertaken have been in this language, but also because it is solely a spoken language and its capture on cassette tape provides some insights into the traditions of an oral culture.
The exhibition has also relocated successfully to Ashton-under-Lyne library until early 2025.
Project for Modus Arts
Graphic design and exhibition concept: KL Studio
Exhibition build: 24 Design
Photography: Richard Tymon and KL Studio
