— HERITAGE DOCUMENTATION
Preserving what a family keeps, carefully and without hurry
Heirlight works with families in Penang and across Malaysia who are sorting through the letters, photographs, and papers of an older generation. We offer archival programmes, educational sessions, and typed inventory work — all carried out with patience and plain language.
— What We Offer
Three quiet programmes for careful families
Each service is designed to be simple, unhurried, and within reach. We work by appointment at our studio in George Town.
Personal Letter & Photograph Archive
An archive-building programme for families wishing to preserve letters, photographs, and small documents from an older generation. Each item is cleaned, sleeved in archival material, photographed at high resolution, and entered into a typed catalogue. A printed catalogue and digital scans are returned on completion.
- Archival-quality sleeving for each item
- High-resolution digital scans on a hard drive
- Typed catalogue printed and bound
- Multiple appointments, no rush
Heritage Conversation Sessions
A small-group session for adults who would like a quiet space to discuss the practical and emotional work of sorting through a parent or grandparent's records. Each session uses publicly available adult-education materials and a printed workbook. Participants share at the pace they choose.
- Printed workbook provided
- Small group setting (max 8 participants)
- Facilitated adult-education format
- No prior experience needed
Inventory Sheet Service
A modest service for families who would like a single typed inventory of household papers and personal items left by an older relative. We produce a typed list of what is held, where it sits within a labelled folder system, and a brief plain-English note on the physical condition of each item.
- Full typed inventory of all items
- Labelled folder system included
- Condition notes in plain English
- Delivered printed and digitally
— Why Families Choose Us
A studio built for careful, unhurried work
Archival Materials Throughout
We use acid-free sleeves, archival boxes, and buffered tissue for every item — the same materials used in institutional collections.
Work at Your Own Pace
Appointments are kept short and spaced to suit your schedule. There is no pressure to hand over everything at once.
Plain Language, Always
All catalogues, inventory sheets, and session workbooks are written in clear English. We avoid jargon that adds distance rather than clarity.
High-Resolution Documentation
Every photograph and document is scanned at archival resolution. Digital copies are returned on a hard drive — yours to keep and share with family members.
Respectful Handling
We understand that what we hold in our hands matters to you. Items are handled one at a time, with cotton gloves and a clean, padded work surface.
Studio in George Town
Our studio is located in the heritage quarter of Penang. Families from across the island and from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore have visited us by appointment.
— Begin the Work
Is there a box of papers you have been meaning to sort?
Many families put off this kind of work for years — not because they don't care, but because they don't quite know where to start. We do. A first conversation costs nothing. Come and talk with us in George Town.
Studio open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm · 22 Jalan Burma, George Town, Penang
— Questions
Things families often ask us
What happens at the first appointment?
The first appointment is a short conversation — usually around 45 minutes. You bring whatever you have: a bag, a box, a single envelope. We talk about what you're holding, what you'd like to do with it, and which of our services fits your situation. There is no obligation to proceed on the day.
How long does the archive programme take?
It depends on the volume of material. A small collection — perhaps 80 to 120 items — typically takes three to five appointments spread across four to six weeks. Larger collections take longer. We never rush the work, and we will give you an honest estimate at the first meeting.
Do I have to leave my items with you?
Not necessarily. For the archive programme and inventory service, items are brought to our studio in small batches and returned after each session. You are welcome to be present while we work, and you take your materials home at the end of each appointment. We do not hold items overnight unless you specifically request it.
What is the Heritage Conversation Session for?
It is an adult-education session for people who are working through the practical and emotional side of sorting a relative's belongings. It is not counselling. We cover topics such as deciding what to keep, how to involve other family members, and how to read older documents. Sessions run for approximately two and a half hours and include a printed workbook.
Can you tell me what documents are worth keeping?
We can describe what we see, note dates, note physical condition, and flag anything that appears significant from an archival standpoint. We do not give opinions on the legal or financial weight of documents — that work belongs to people with regulated qualifications. What we do is organise, document, and preserve so that nothing important is overlooked.
What does the Inventory Sheet Service include?
We produce a typed list of every item in the collection, placed within a labelled folder system. Each entry includes a brief plain-English note on physical condition. The completed inventory is delivered as a printed document and a digital file. We do not interpret the contents — the service is purely descriptive and administrative.
Do you work with families outside Penang?
Our studio is in George Town and all hands-on work happens here. Families from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Singapore have visited us by appointment. Heritage Conversation Sessions can be arranged for groups travelling together. Please get in touch and we will work out a practical schedule with you.
— Find Us
Our Studio in George Town
22 Jalan Burma, 10350 George Town, Penang
— Contact
Write to us or come and visit
Use the form below or contact us directly. We respond to all enquiries within two working days.
Studio Details
Telephone
+60 4-228 6294Studio Address
22 Jalan Burma
10350 George Town, Penang
Malaysia
Studio Hours
Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sunday & Monday: Closed