Dyrham House, South Gloucestershire

National Trust,  2017-23

This exemplar National Trust Transformation project at Dyrham Park was phased over 6 years as it involved substantial repairs to the historic fabric as well as representation of the rooms. It delivered a new interpretive approach and suite of visitor experiences to complement the major architectural conservation and gardens reconstruction project.

The project augments the traditional house visit, with immersive, active and participative experiences to uncover the story of the house’s creator William Blathwayt. 

The interpretive strategy explores new research, contextual information, using sensory and immersive techniques to dramatise Blathwayt’s world through personal ‘encounters’ with people and events from the past.

A World Away: Throughout the main 17th century-decorated rooms of the house, we developed a series of installations which blended into the historic setting without disturbing the ‘spirit of place’. Bespoke furniture Items such as bible boxes hold interpretation graphics and handling objects and plinths conceal lighting – allowing the rooms to be properly lit and visible to visitors for the first time. A replica birdcage (modelled on the Hoogstraten painting) hangs in the entrance hall with concealed lighting and loudspeakers playing birdsong - Blathwayt used to keep caged birds here.

Money Maps & Marmalade, and Tasting Kitchen:  This provides an introduction to the 17th Century combining into a multi-screen audio visual show familiar historical figures - depicting many famous events of the time - making visitors understand that they know more about the 17th Century than they realised. The next room utilises existing kitchen cupboards and an alcove to present a multi-layered animated projected ‘puppet show’ about Blathwayt’s life and exploits. The final rooms use objects to illustrate Blathwayt’s personal life at the house and his career and influence in London at parliament and the royal court.

Finally the Victorian kitchen tells the story of sugar, coffee and tea trade with a tasting bar providing hot chocolate and other traditional samples.