Audience Research informed the National Trust that visitors to Sutton Hoo were interested to know more about Old English - the language of the Anglo-Saxons. Ugly Studios were commissioned to develop an exhibition to celebrate the skills of Anglo-Saxon wordsmiths as craftsmen, and the beauty of Old English poetry.
Idea
Our design centred on sound, to emphasise the relationship between poetry and performance in Anglo-Saxon culture. Working closely with staff at Sutton Hoo, we created an immersive exhibition that would play audio tracks of three different texts. As each poem would play, lights would illuminate facsimiles showing images of the poem's original manuscript next to a translation. Evocative graphic design, illustrations and case dressing would add authenticity and visual understanding to the experience.
Result
'Weaving Words' is now a temporary exhibition at Sutton Hoo, which aims to use immersive audio and design to make words come alive, and to encourage visitors' curiosity to find out more. Sutton Hoo continue to use the theme of 'language' to increase awareness of Anglo-Saxon culture and enjoyment of Sutton Hoo and its stories.