Refreshing Eyam Museum with Large Format Print: A Village Turned Upside Down
Heritage spaces rely on storytelling to connect visitors with the past, and great exhibition graphics play a vital role in bringing those stories to life. When Eyam Museum wanted to develop its new ‘A Village Turned Upside Down’ exhibition, Leach was brought in to deliver a fast-turnaround large format print solution.
The Brief
When Eyam Museum set out to create its ‘A Village Turned Upside Down’ exhibition, the team wanted to bring new life into a much-loved local attraction while preserving the character and heritage of the space.
Working with design partner Hartland Design, an existing Leach client, the project marked Leach’s first time working directly with Eyam Museum itself.
The brief called for new exhibition graphics, but the project had to be completed in a short time frame. With just one week from receipt of artwork to installation, and the exhibition opening only a few days after install, timing was critical from the outset.
The Solution
To understand the museum’s objectives, visitor experience goals and practical constraints of working within a compact, single-room exhibition space, Leach first met with Hartland Design to discuss the scope.
Taking a collaborative approach, Hartland Design led the creative concept while Leach managed the production and installation. Drawing on experience in heritage and visitor environments, Leach also advised on alternative material choices to best suit the job and meet budget requirements.
The final solutions Leach provided included:
- A seamless 4-metre-wide wallpaper graphic produced in one piece
- Precision cut vinyl lettering
- Vinyl wrapped display elements
- Direct printed Foamex panels
Despite the tight footprint of the room, the installation was carefully coordinated to ensure each element fitted perfectly within the space. The only challenge came when there were insufficient fixings available on site, requiring the Leach team to return the following day to complete final details. This ensured that the exhibition was delivered to the expected standard ahead of opening.
The Impact
The new exhibition has given Eyam Museum a renewed and contemporary visitor experience, helping bring the story of the village to life for new audiences.
As an older museum space that had not seen a visual update for some time, the exhibition has provided the gallery with a fresh new lease of life while respecting its historic setting.
The project also further strengthened Leach’s relationship with Hartland Design, opening the door to future collaborations across local cultural and heritage venues.
“From start to finish, Leach supported our Eyam Museum exhibition project ‘A Village Turned Upside Down’ at every step, working with us to meet the budget and deliver quality products to deadline.
The install went smoothly, with the team taking care to ensure all the panels, wallpaper and vinyl were installed accurately and to our spec.
A huge thank you to Kelly, Dan and Chris at Leach, and to the installers Lee and Jamie for a great job!”
- Hartland Design
Transforming key heritage sites across the world
From receipt of artwork to installation in just one week, this project demonstrates Leach’s ability to deliver high-quality exhibition graphics under pressure, without compromising on detail or finish. By combining practical expertise, collaborative working and specialist production knowledge, Leach helped museums around the world create revitalised spaces, ready to inspire visitors from day one.
Do you have an upcoming large format print project in the museum sector? Get in touch with us today: https://weareleach.com/contact-us/
