An Exercise in Exhibit Design

Background

            When designing an exhibit for a public audience, there are many aspects one must address in order to create not just an interesting experience for the visitor, but one that challenges their perspective on a specific topic. From the organization and layout to the captions, each decision is vital in designing a successful exhibit. One challenge with our specific exhibit—which will take place in Drexel’s new Historic Costume Collection gallery space—is the size of the display. Because of restrictions in space, the objects will be separated into two interlocking exhibits. In deciding how best to choose the objects for each exhibit, I pondered what type of audience each object, and the theme we choose to represent through that object, would attract. The space restrictions—only three of the six gowns can be displayed properly at one time—forced me to consider the exhibit in a very specific way.

            With the help of Clare Sauro and a lively discussion, our class came up with several possible themes for the two exhibits. I believe that by linking the two exhibits closely with a common theme, visitors to the first exhibit are likely to return for the second exhibit. The theme that appealed most to me was the idea of social mobility and the performances involved with high society. When considering the collection, I believe this theme can be applied to each object. With this theme and my favorite of each object caption in mind, I divided the collection into two.

The Layout

            When entering the gallery space, visitors will begin on the far right side of the glass case. Besides our captions, which will be displayed next to each object, each student will record a brief history of their object which visitors will be able to access through their phones. This type of multimedia presentation of the information is both budget and user friendly. Each visitor will be given the opportunity to get to know the objects on a higher level by listening to more detailed information than space and budget would otherwise permit. Besides this audio tour, the wall opposite the display will include a large map displaying the locations each object is known to have been. On the map, which will include Philadelphia and its outlying areas (Reading and Lancaster are important to some of our objects!), numbers assigned to each object will reflect where that object belonged on the map. Next to this map will be the list of numbers with a photograph of both the objects and the sites each member of our class visited to learn more about the object. The objects from both exhibits will be included in this portion of the exhibit, allowing visitors to identify the larger theme and get a “peek” at what the second exhibit will include. If space permits, a larger explanation of Philadelphia’s Centennial celebration will be provided. This is an aspect of the exhibit that will likely interest all local visitors, and applies to at least two of the objects. Additionally, again if space permits, a more in depth (but still brief) explanation of the different bustle periods should be included. This is information that could be helpful for visitors to learn more about almost half of the objects, and is difficult to capture in a single caption. Another choice for one of the displays is a more detailed look at the crazy quilt, through enlarged details explained with captions.

Exhibit #1

            Now comes the difficult part—the separating of the objects. In the first exhibit, I chose to place the assembly gown first, as it is aesthetically appealing and the caption includes information that could appeal to a diverse audience. First, it states the workmanship and high status of its owners, followed by information about the company that made it, and finally includes details about the Centennial celebration in Philadelphia. Next to the gown, I chose to display the shoes. The shoes are specifically related to the gown through their involvement in Philadelphia’s Centennial Exposition. Next comes Rosalie’s dolman, which also includes a specific location or event in Philadelphia with its performance at the Academy of Music. Either in the audio recording or via headphones directly in front of the dolman, song selections from the opera Rosalie attended while wearing her dolman should be played for visitors. This will allow for a more emotional response from visitors. To the left of the dolman is the nineteenth-century waistcoat, which is amusing with its pink polka dots, and continues the theme of high society performances involving our objects.

            In the center of the exhibit space, the crazy quilt will be mounted on the wall. Because the exhibit space is not extremely deep, visitors will be able to view the details. Because of the limited space and the large size of the crazy quilt, some of its outer edges may be somewhat obstructed. Next to the crazy quilt, the exhibit continues with the wedding portion of the first exhibit. The 1837 and 1845 wedding gowns will be displayed with the corset suspended in between them. The corset shows visitors what women wore beneath their dresses to shape their body according to high society standards on their wedding day. Like in front of the dolman, the corset audio clip will include the wedding marches played at Emma’s wedding.

Exhibit #2:

            The second exhibit will be set up similarly to the first. First, the smoking jacket will draw visitors in with its flamboyant look. Next to the smoking jacket, the top hat will be displayed on glass cubes at eye level. On the other side of the top hat will be Captain Brown’s waistcoat. The placement of these three objects will cause visitors to consider the contrast between the upper-class men in his home versus the upper class man performing in public for society. Next to the waistcoat, the mourning card case will be displayed, evoking the idea of a public ritualistic performance.

            The crazy quilt could possibly be displayed in both exhibits, particularly if part of the display boards on the opposite wall is a closer look at some of the quilt’s details. On the other side of the quilt will be the day dress, the trousseau gown, and the 1856 wedding gown. Placing these three very different dresses, worn at very specific times, near each other will allow visitors to recognize the differences between each.

Some Last Words

            I believe this division of objects, and the specific groupings of certain objects, will provide the visitors with an interesting and thought-provoking experience. The display on the wall opposite and our audio clips will be crucial in presenting our theme.