By KLTV Newsdesk – 

International exhibition explores the shared heritage of post offices in the UK and India through art, technology and community stories

A new international exhibition celebrating the cultural significance of post offices in the UK and India has opened at the University of Huddersfield, inviting visitors to explore stories of community, migration and place through a range of creative and digital experiences.

Post Office Cultures is on display at the Bath House Gallery, Sovereign Design House, from 29 June until 2 September 2026, bringing together artists, researchers and local communities to examine the role post offices have played in everyday life.

Visitors are also invited to attend a special exhibition preview on Thursday 30 July from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Exploring shared histories across two countries

The exhibition forms part of an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded collaboration between the University of Huddersfield and the World University of Design in India.

Featuring contributions from researchers, artists and communities in Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Shimla and Delhi, the exhibition combines traditional storytelling with modern digital technology to uncover the histories and memories connected to post offices.

Visitors will experience work created through a variety of creative methods, including 3D digital scanning, filmmaking, letter writing, sound recording, oral history projects and podcasting. The exhibition aims to highlight voices and experiences that are often overlooked while demonstrating how heritage and digital innovation can work together to tell new stories.

Celebrating cultural collaboration

Aligned with the India–UK 2030 Roadmap, the project explores post offices as important centres of community life and living heritage, while promoting cultural exchange between the two countries.

By focusing on themes including migration, work, identity and local history, the exhibition showcases how creative and cultural industries can collaborate with heritage organisations to develop new ways of understanding communities and strengthening international partnerships.

Free tours and creative workshops

Alongside the exhibition, a programme of free guided tours, workshops and creative activities is taking place throughout the summer.

Guided tours, lasting around one hour, offer visitors the opportunity to learn more about the exhibition and the stories behind the artworks.

As part of South Asian Heritage Month, visitors can also take part in a series of workshops exploring shared post office cultures across the UK and India through storytelling, making, digital media and audio production.

All activities are free to attend, although advance booking is required.

Visiting the exhibition

The exhibition is being held at the Bath House Gallery, Sovereign Design House, University of Huddersfield.

The gallery is located on the ground floor and is fully accessible, with seating available on request and support for visitors with additional access requirements.

The exhibition is open:

• Monday to Thursday and Saturdays: 10 am – 3 pm
• Fridays: 10 am – 2.30 pm

The special exhibition preview takes place on Thursday 30 July from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Those wishing to attend tours or workshops can book free places through the project’s Eventbrite page. More information about the exhibition and the wider Post Office Cultures project is also available through the University of Huddersfield.