— OUR SERVICES
Three programmes, each built for a different kind of family need
From a full archive programme to a single typed inventory, Heirlight's services are designed to meet families where they are — not to push them toward more than they need.
← Back to Homepage— Our Methodology
How we approach every commission
Every commission at Heirlight begins the same way: a conversation. Before we agree to any work, we sit with the family, look at what they have, and give an honest assessment of how long the work will take and which of our services fits their situation. We do not begin without clarity on scope.
Once the work begins, it proceeds by appointment. Items are brought to the studio in manageable batches, worked through in a consistent way, and returned at the end of each session. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is retained without explicit agreement.
Our quality assurance is simple: every item that passes through our hands is handled the same way, regardless of whether it appears significant or not. We have found that families rarely know in advance which piece of paper will turn out to matter.
We work with a small number of commissions at any given time. This is deliberate. It allows us to give each family's materials the attention they deserve and to be honest about our capacity rather than promising a timeline we cannot keep.
Service ref. ARC-01
Personal Letter & Photograph Archive
An archive-building programme for families wishing to preserve letters, photographs, and small documents from an older generation. The work is carried out at our studio across a series of short appointments. Each item is cleaned, sleeved in archival material, photographed at high resolution, and entered into a typed catalogue. A printed catalogue and a hard drive of digital scans are returned at programme's end.
- Acid-free archival sleeving for every item
- High-resolution scanning (600 dpi minimum)
- Typed and printed catalogue, bound on completion
- Hard drive with full digital archive returned to family
How the programme works
First consultation — we view what the family holds and agree on scope
Items brought to studio in batches across several appointments
Each item cleaned, sleeved, scanned, and catalogued
Printed catalogue and hard drive returned at final session
Service ref. HCS-02
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 the records of a parent or grandparent. Each session is built from publicly available adult-education materials and guided by a facilitator with a printed workbook. Participants share at the pace they choose. Sessions are educational and discussion-based; they are not counselling and do not address regulated matters.
- Small group format — maximum 8 participants
- Printed workbook provided and kept by each participant
- Facilitated by a qualified adult educator
- No prior knowledge or experience required
Session structure
Introduction and workbook orientation (30 min)
Guided group discussion using workbook prompts (75 min)
Practical planning — what to do next (30 min)
Open questions and close (15 min)
Service ref. INV-03
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 — a typed list of what is held, where it sits within a labelled folder system, and a brief plain-English note describing the physical condition of each item. The service is administrative and descriptive; we do not provide any interpretation of contents and do not address regulated matters. Delivered as a printed and digital document.
- Complete typed inventory of every item in the collection
- Organised into a labelled folder system
- Plain-English condition note for each item
- Delivered as a printed document and a digital file
Delivery process
Family brings collection to studio or we review it at first appointment
Each item examined, described, and assigned a folder location
Typed inventory compiled and reviewed for completeness
Printed document and digital file returned to family
— Choosing the Right Service
Which service fits your situation?
| Feature / Situation | Archive RM 2,650 |
Sessions RM 380 |
Inventory RM 720 |
|---|---|---|---|
| You have photographs and letters to preserve | — | — | |
| You want a physical archive properly housed | — | — | |
| You want to discuss the work with others in similar situations | — | — | |
| You need guidance on where to start | — | ||
| You need a clear list of what you hold | — | ||
| Includes digital scans | — | — | |
| Works for a single box or envelope | — |
Not sure which fits your situation? Come and talk with us — the first consultation is free.
— Shared Standards
What every Heirlight service includes
Privacy and Confidentiality
All client material is handled in confidence. We do not retain records, share contents, or reference your family's papers in any context outside the commission.
Clear Communication
We respond to all enquiries within two working days. We keep families informed without unnecessary correspondence and will tell you honestly if something is outside our scope.
Archival-Grade Materials
Across all services, materials that come into contact with items meet archival standards for pH neutrality and long-term stability. We do not use ordinary household or stationery materials.
Honest Timelines
We give honest estimates of how long each commission will take before work begins. We do not promise a timeline we cannot deliver.
Scope Defined in Writing
Before any commission begins, the scope, timeline, and price are confirmed in writing. There are no additions or charges beyond what was agreed unless the scope changes and a new agreement is made.
All Originals Returned
Every original item brought to our studio is returned to the family. We do not retain, photograph for our own records, or keep any item beyond the agreed session.
— Pricing
Clear, fixed pricing — no hidden charges
ARC-01
Archive Programme
RM 2,650
- Full archival sleeving
- 600 dpi scanning throughout
- Printed, bound catalogue
- Hard drive with digital files
- Multiple appointments included
HCS-02
Conversation Session
RM 380 / person
- 2.5-hour facilitated session
- Printed workbook included
- Max 8 participants
- Adult-education framework
- Group bookings available
INV-03
Inventory Service
RM 720
- Full typed inventory
- Labelled folder system
- Plain-English condition notes
- Printed document
- Digital file included
— Book an Appointment
Not sure which service fits? Come and tell us what you have.
The first consultation is free and carries no obligation. We will look at what you are holding and tell you honestly which of our services — if any — is the right fit.
Book a First Appointment