V&A Ceramics Gallery Identity and Interpretive Graphics
Design Cartlidge Levene
Photography Marcus Ginns
“The V&A’s Ceramics collections are one of its greatest glories and unrivalled in the world. The galleries, which were purpose built in 1909, have been refurbished by architects Stanton Williams and the display redesigned to present over 3,000 objects which tell the story of ceramics from the earliest Chinese pottery to contemporary ceramic art.
There is a run of six themed galleries plus a gallery devoted to a changing display. The centrepiece is the Ceramics Timeline which displays highlights of the entire collection dating from 3,500 BC to the present day.
We designed the gallery identity and graphic communication, working closely with the V&A curatorial team and Stanton Williams. At the heart of the display is a rigorous label information system which can be easily updated by the V&A. Printed on a magnetic substrate, the labels adhere to bespoke metal label holders for open display as well as integrating with Stanton Williams’ elegant display cases.
Large scale graphics such as dates painted directly onto walls are used to add richness and as navigational aids. A series of gallery introduction panels, coloured by gallery, carry 3d gallery titles, introductory text, orientation maps and hold large print books.
The Making Ceramics gallery is devoted to materials and techniques. A unique piece of low-tech interactive furniture, running the entire length of the gallery, explains the process of making ceramics. Designed in collaboration with Stanton Williams, the tabletop houses a sequence of information panels, flip-books and lift-up lids in the form of a modular tile system. A series of drawers contain in-depth information and hands-on activities to engage the family audience as well as the serious ceramics enthusiast. The front of the unit is faced with richly-coloured vitreous enamel graphics. Around the gallery walls, 3d letters inlaid into the cornicing list the rich vocabulary of ceramic processes.”
Did you really think I’d let this one slip? ;) I’ve just been patiently waiting for Melissa to send me some larger /images of the project for your own viewing pleasure (you know how much big /images excite me). Having been aware of this project for a year now, it’s nice to finally have the chance to see the fruits of their labour.
Those of you with sharp eyes will have noticed that the V&A Ceramics Gallery press release gives credit to the architects but fails to mention anything about the graphic designers. Why is that? Maybe this is why: “because anyone with a computer can call themselves a graphic designer. As a result our field has become oversaturated with hacks who undercut the value of what we do and make it harder for people to recognise the worth of competent graphic graphic design.” Feel free to discuss this issue in the comments section below.
On a different note but still Cartlidge Levene related, did I mention that there was going to be a Cartlidge Levene Session? I don’t think I have… ;)
A few more /images are available to view/share/save on Flickr. Have a nice weekend people.
This post is tagged Cartlidge Levene, Exhibition, Identity
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