‘Suitcase of Life’ Comes to Kensington Palace
On a very hot August day, WCC was delighted to take part in Kensington Palace’s Community Celebration Festival to facilitate a creative participation activity inspired by stories of journey, identity and belonging.
Held on the Orangery Lawns on Friday 14 August, our installation, ‘Suitcase of Life: Stories of Journey, Identity and Belonging’, welcomed visitors of all ages to pause, reflect and share something of their own life journey through reflective collage making.
The idea for the ‘Suitcase of Life’ grew from a conversation with Jane, a member of WCC’s Expert by Experience Group and one of our refugee ambassadors. Together, we explored how a simple suitcase could become an evocative symbol of movement, change, memories, resilience and hope. Co-facilitated by Jane and WCC staff alongside members of our refugee community, the activity invited people to consider not only the journeys they have taken, but also what they carry with them through life’s transitions.
Throughout the day, visitors responded to prompts such as:
- What sustains you through change or challenge?
- What memories do you have of journeys you have taken?
- What gives you hope?
- What are your dreams?
- What do we carry with us through life?
Participants created thoughtful but also often charming and humorous creations using words, images, fabrics and drawings. Some chose to keep their creations, while others added them to the growing ‘Suitcase of Life’, helping to create a collective, living archive of creative expression.
We were especially pleased to be joined by members of our refugee social group, who came along and got involved throughout the day. Their creativity, enthusiasm and friendly conversations with visitors helped make the activity feel welcoming and alive.
The ‘Suitcase of Life’ gave people a chance to pause for a moment, get creative, and reflect on the people, places and memories that shape who we are. Some visitors shared personal reflections, while others simply enjoyed making something and exploring what others had contributed.
As the afternoon went on, the suitcase gradually filled with collages becoming a colourful collection of stories from people of all ages and backgrounds.
A huge thank you to the wonderful team at Historic Royal Palaces for looking after us so well throughout the day, and to everyone who stopped by to take part. Every contribution helped make the Suitcase of Life a little richer.
We left with a very full suitcase and some lovely memories of a sunny day spent celebrating community, creativity and connection.
