chinas hidden century

The British Museum

★★★★★ The Guardian

‘China’s hidden century’ at the British Museum explores life in the final century of Imperial rule in China.

With over 500 objects, the exhibition traces the creativity, innovation and decadence in a time of great volatility.

The exhibition was designed around the 50+ bespoke showcases that were tailored to their contents, including the lighting scheme. With the objects providing the central visual narrative across the exhibition, we wanted them to feel jewel-like, like small glimpses into other worlds.  Even the style of in-case lighting followed closely the theme of each section to match. At strict lux conservation requirements for almost all objects, we carefully balanced the surrounding ambient light levels to get the most out of the objects, and to reveal their true beauty.

 Translucent banner graphics and back-lit Tyvek walls formed a striking visual backdrop to the exhibition. Having extensively tested the light treatment in relation to the graphics & set-works, we learned how the various materials are best lit: from behind, sometimes in front, often with a less-is-more approach.  Each of the seven sections was underpinned by its own mood and environmental atmosphere; enhanced through washes of broad light, texture, bursts of warmth chiaroscuro or shadow-play.