As Whitby Museum looks to connect its archive of photography and audio with visitors in an exciting new way, the organisation has appointed Technically Creative.
Since 1823, Whitby Museum has captivated guests with its collections of local plants, shells, butterflies, beetles and fish, alongside exhibits illustrating the history of Whitby. Over the years, the museum’s collections have grown tremendously, and so too have the museum’s buildings.
The latest extension, which took place in 2005, nearly doubled the size of the building – creating space for a gallery, temporary exhibitions, a lecture room, costume store, workshops, and a tearoom. The Whitby Museum has recently decided to introduce more interactive technology into their exhibits, aiming to create a greater bond with guests, and is where Technically Creative can help.
As part of their work, Technically Creative will be creating a photography database, containing all of the old Whitby images belonging to the Museum. Guests will be able to flick through the images using a touchscreen plinth, allowing them to delve deep into the archives of the coastal town museum.
A split multi monitor installation with a special digital audio experience will give guests the opportunity to view interviews with the archive photographer and gain a greater understanding of the extensive history of the museum and its artefacts.
The project also features the addition of multiple touchscreen plinths, with searchable audio meaning guests can pick and choose the information they hear. Technically Creative will fabricate and programme each of these installations in house.
“This project really intrigued us from the start, coming up with a solution for guests at the museum to be able to browse both imagery and audio,” a Technically Creative spokesperson says. “Thankfully, with our skills in interactive exhibits, we’re able to provide a solution that can do both. We love being able to use modern technology to bring history to life, and we can’t wait to get started.”