Exeter’s Medical History
1 October to 22 January 2023
Background
Highlighting a lesser-known aspect of Exeter’s history; pioneering advances in medicine. From body-snatching surgeons to the use of inoculation and medical statistics, Exeter has often been at the forefront of medical innovations.
Brief
Tell the history of medical innovation in Exeter in a quirky and light-hearted way. Create an interactive operating table demonstrating the human skeleton. Produce a lenticular image to show the effects of cholera.
Requirements
Incorporate five portraits of medical figures from the collection to drive the main narrative of the exhibition. Needs to appeal to families.
Approach
Divide the gallery up into flowing sections so visitors get a feeling of discovery as they move through the exhibition. Bring in bold, bright panels of colour to differentiate the sections.
Challenges
Human remains feature in this exhibition. Consider how to display this sensitively, allowing visitors a level of discretion.
Solutions
I created high level signage in the style of modern hospital wayfinding to introduce and signpost the sections. These were created using materials that meant they could be recycled after the exhibition.
Outcomes
Bright, colourful engaging gallery. Clean interpretation with clear narrative and intriguing sightlines. Interactive zone with comments area.
See the gallery in 360
Credits:
Gallery photography: Simon Tutty
