Objectives tells a story

Museum group Objectives had the general public rather than the cognoscenti in mind when it designed this permanent exhibition at Nottingham Castle Museum, which opens tomorrow.

‘It is a people’s gallery, rather than the more esoteric type of gallery which can be a little precious and minimalist. This is more flamboyant,’ says Objectives partner Neill Richardson.

The exhibition, named Every Object Tells A Story, takes decorative art as its subject matter and aims to make it understandable to the person-in-the-street.

‘We invited local people to choose objects and to explain why they chose them and put that in the exhibition – and we have set up interactive points, asking visitors to guess what something is and what it is used for,’ continues Richardson.

Objectives worked closely with Nottingham Castle Museum to develop concepts for the two galleries and then translated them into the exhibition design.

The resulting display areas incorporate a variety of styles intended to contrast the different exhibition areas, while graphic information has been played down in favour of listening posts and ‘flip-books’.

Styles include a modern, manufactured look and a natural, hand-crafted one. Meanwhile, a dedicated children’s’ section takes Noah’s Ark as its theme.

The Sheriff of Nottingham must be turning in his grave at the thought of being ousted as King of the Castle and the subsequent loss of his crown.

Designer: Objectives

Client: Nottingham Castle Museum/

Nottingham City Council