Hive
We were invited to design, manufacture, and install a suite of custom exhibition display furniture for the Hive Gallery located in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham
For this project, our design approach needed to be sensitive, authentic, and complimentary. The concept centres around the idea of a Bee Hive, which establishes a sense of place. Stacking and layering was identified as a system to arrange numerous components at different heights and in various ways. Therefore we designed a modular and adaptive display system, with a range of dimensions that can be combined to form plinths and vitrines in multiple ways.
The design resonates and complements the existing interior and aesthetic direction already established at the Hive. Whereby the material pallet and current styling were the catalyst for design decisions and aesthetic direction.
The gallery space showcases a changing program of exhibitions across a breadth of contexts, a variety of scales and a range of artefacts. It was therefore important that the furniture is flexible and adaptable to support and accommodate an array of artworks.
The display furniture will play the role of being quietly supportive rather than overpowering or dominating the artworks or venue, ensuring the focus is primarily on the exhibition artefacts. It was also important that the furniture is practical, functional, hard-working, robust and adaptable. Visual sophistication and attention to detail will be reflected in material choices and construction methods, with an emphasis on simplicity and functionality. A neutral colour pallet of will be sensitive to the existing surroundings and support a variety of exhibition possibilities.
The Hive Gallery is just a short walk away from our workshop in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. The Hive is a fabulous venue with many strings to its bow. It includes gallery and workshop spaces, a cafe and a bakery with a wonderful kitchen garden on its rooftop. It also provides valuable work experience and training opportunities for students at Ruskin Mill Trusts Argent College.
Exhibition photographs - “Five Years of Co-creation” at the Hive Gallery