Ideas raises a World of Glass

York-based design group Ideas has created the corporate identity and interiors for a dynamic new visitor centre explaining the history of glass production. Located in the world famous glass-making area of St Helens, the new venue opens next Thursday.

Part of The Northcross Group of design companies, Ideas has been developing both the visual identity and exhibition areas for The World of Glass over the past four years. Using a combination of sophisticated display techniques, integrated graphics and audio-visual technology, each of the seven galleries illustrates a different aspect of the glass-making process.

Northcross marketing director Lorna Reid explains: ‘The core visual identity represents a glass engraved illustration, with a female character christened St Helen forming the central element.’

There are a number of exhibition focal points. The Pilkington Collection is displayed in a vast circular setting and is supported by interactive touch screen displays, whereas Glass Revolution is an audio-visual history of glass production, taking the audience all the way from the past through to the present day and into the future. For children, Glass Magic features a mirrored maze and a selection of hands-on exhibits.

Ideas managing director Nick Townend says: ‘This is a highly interactive visitor experience that can be enjoyed by all the family, yet deals with the complex archaeology and deep-rooted social history in a sensitive and sympathetic way. To encourage visitor returns, the exhibitions have been designed to provide something new at each visit. We believe it will help put St Helens on the map as a visitor destination,’ he says.

Client: The World of Glass

Design: Ideas

Managing director and project leader: Nick Townend