Richard III Man & Myth Exhibition
Client: York Museums Trust / Yorkshire Museum
The Richard III Man & Myth exhibition compares the distorted truths that have shaped modern perceptions of England's most debated king, against the historical facts. Separating fact from fiction, visitors are encouraged to make their own opinions on Richard, his relationship with York and his short reign as king.
As we only had two rooms and the adjoining front facing wall available, our first job was to visually link the two rooms together so visitors new they were both part of the display. However, both areas also required individual colour schemes to differentiate between "The Myth" and "The Man" rooms.
Our solution was to make "The Myth" room dark and imposing, which reflected the tyrannical and murderous view many people associated with Richard. In contrast "The Man" room is light and uplifting to convey the fair and benevolent personality that others believe he had.
Outside the entrance to each room we suspended a large canvas material banner to clearly identified which part of the exhibition visitors are entering. Both areas are visually linked together by a huge 2200 x 3030mm digital wallpaper. The central section of the digital wallpaper displays information about the exhibition's purpose.
Our solution was to make "The Myth" room dark and imposing, which reflected the tyrannical and murderous view many people associated with Richard. In contrast "The Man" room is light and uplifting to convey the fair and benevolent personality that others believe he had.
Outside the entrance to each room we suspended a large canvas material banner to clearly identified which part of the exhibition visitors are entering. Both areas are visually linked together by a huge 2200 x 3030mm digital wallpaper. The central section of the digital wallpaper displays information about the exhibition's purpose.
Exhibition entrances and linking graphic render
The Myth Room
To create an imposing atmosphere black drapes were hung from the ceiling and reduced the room light levels. Single spotlights illuminated information panels and collection objects. The most significant artefact within this room is a copy of Shakespeare's First Folio. The book is displayed showing the opening pages to the play Richard III.
To create an imposing atmosphere black drapes were hung from the ceiling and reduced the room light levels. Single spotlights illuminated information panels and collection objects. The most significant artefact within this room is a copy of Shakespeare's First Folio. The book is displayed showing the opening pages to the play Richard III.
The Man Room
In complete contrast to the The Myth room this light open space features a fully laid banquet table. On one side of the room a full size mural depicting a period kitchen preparing a feast was painted directly onto the wall. The collections on display in the glass cabinet include drinking vessels, plates and cutlery.
In complete contrast to the The Myth room this light open space features a fully laid banquet table. On one side of the room a full size mural depicting a period kitchen preparing a feast was painted directly onto the wall. The collections on display in the glass cabinet include drinking vessels, plates and cutlery.
On the opposite side of the room, three large glass cabinets dominate the area with each cabinet displaying various Richard III related objects. The graphic backdrops were printed onto self adhesive backed vinyl and applied directly to the glass.