Temporary Exhibition Design and Delivery, V&A London, 2007

At Metaphor, I led design and delivery of this major exhibition, with a multi-disciplinary team including graphic designers, a lighting designer and a film maker. Design for the exhibition was developed in close collaboration with the curator, and in tandem with development of the narrative, which explored the relationship between Surrealism and design.

Our ultimate aim was to ‘suspend disbelief’ by designing an immersive experience. This began with a surreal threshold that invited visitors to step ‘onto the stage’. We used innovative forms of display to minimise ‘distance’ in the artefact encounter, in particular, minimising use of showcases.

The exhibition was widely and enthusiastically reviewed and drew record box-office numbers.

Photography © Philip Vile and Hufton + Crow