Ugly Studios Ltd | Essex County Council

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Brief

Essex County Council awarded Ugly Studios the opportunity to develop a Napoleonic trail, following defensive Martello towers along the Essex coastline. The trails would contribute towards the international EU-funded 'Walls and Gardens' project, dedicated to preserving and interpreting historic fortifications.

Idea

Interpretation panels and a trail leaflet were envisioned to tell this story, each designed to bring the 19th century to life. Layered interpretation would speak to all visitors along the trail, with bite-size content and a free app helping people to explore further. Games, such as semaphore and rubbing plate activities, were designed with children and families in mind.

Result

6 panels and an accompanying leaflet now help visitors to Essex's coastline navigate its Napoleonic heritage. Trail leaflets and activity sheets can be picked up in Jaywick Martello Tower, or downloaded from their website. The boards are robust and vandal-resistant, and have required no maintenance since their installation.

What we did

Research
Illustration
Graphic Design
Interpretive Signage
Project Management

Ugly came up with designs that matched the subject matter and period perfectly...
Paul Gilman, European Projects Manager, Essex County Council

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Design and Interpretation for
Heritage and Culture, Education and Leisure

Brief

Idea

Result

What we did

Essex County Council – Martello Tower Trails

Design and Interpretation for Heritage and Culture, Education and Leisure

Brief

Idea

Result

What we did

Essex County Council – Martello Tower Trails

Design and Interpretation for
Heritage and Culture, Education and Leisure