ARCHIVE

Cassette tapes containing audio messages are rare primarily because of the obsolescence of the cassette tape system and the disposal of the associated media. Some tapes still exist though, and although rare, they’re kept relatively safe for sentimental reasons, usually in attics, cupboards, or chests of drawers. Temperature and humidity levels generally fluctuate in home environments though, leading to potential deterioration of the magnetic media on these tapes. A central physical repository for these ‘tape letters’ was therefore considered vital to ensure any surviving cassettes were safely archived and catalogued.

The Bishopsgate Institute Library in London agreed to be our archival partner, and all cassettes and associated oral histories connected to the project now reside in their Special Collections vaults. The Bishopsgate Institute has a long history of preserving and promoting cultural heritage; its audio-visual archive is a testament to that. Stefan Dickers, Special Collections and Archives Manager, and the staff at the Bishopsgate Library have worked tirelessly to capture the essence of the Institute’s events and activities, maintaining their extensive archives with careful planning and implementation.

In addition to providing a physical repository for the Tape Letters archive, the Bishopsgate Institute provided guidance to Modus Arts in developing a bespoke in-house archival system, ensuring the tapes and associated oral histories were catalogued and accessible for various creative outputs.