Elmwood to modernise Scottish museums’ suite

Elmwood has been appointed to revamp the literature suite for The National Museums of Scotland, as the organisation moves to update its brand and deliver a cohesive image across its seven sites.

In addition to the Royal Museum and Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, the organisation also manages the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian, the Museum of Scottish Country Life in East Kilbride, Shambellie House Museum of Costume in Dumfries, the National War Museum of Scotland and the Granton Store.

Elmwood has been tasked with creating ‘consistent literature’ across all the sites and delivering a brand message that is more ‘inclusive, accessible and experiential’, says Elmwood Scotland chief executive Nick Ramshaw.

Its work will encompass generic publications and each museum’s marketing material, together with educational material, membership application forms and promotional material for exhibitions, he adds.

Elmwood was appointed in December following a three-way pitch and the first evidence of its work, a promotional campaign for the Royal Museum’s ‘Cats…the Ultimate Predators’ exhibition, rolls out this week.

The exhibition, which runs from 13 February to 30 May, is designed by Csaky Associates, which also created exhibition graphics.

The exhibition begins with a 5m- long man-made prehistoric cat skull and features eight interactive zones. In the Cat Body Plan zone the group has created an interactive display that illustrates how the cat’s claw works.

A giant wicker basket for visitors to relax in is a feature of the Cat Nap area and the Hunting and Killing zone features a 2.5m-long central display with a chase scene.

The group was briefed to deliver a design that reflected the ‘fun and informative’ theme of the exhibition, says Csaky Associates senior designer Leigh Cain.