Qualia in 2018 

Fight for Edinburgh Castle - New Visitor Experience Opens


October 2018. Qualia's latest visitor experience is now open at Edinburgh Castle. The £335,000 'Fight for the Castle' exhibition tells the story of how the Castle was held under siege many times between 1286 - 1356, making it the 'most besieged in Britain'. It is the first new permanent exhibition to open at Edinburgh Castle since 2002 and is located within the Castle's 19th century Argyle Tower.

The visitor is immersed in the story of the Castle’s turbulent history from the death of Alexander III in 1286, until the return of David II at the end of the Second War of Independence in 1356. A large-scale sculptural trebuchet installation is counter-played with projected images and animations from every direction. The theatrical audiovisual experiences are enhanced by the use of real historical objects set within cases that integrate with a simple yet highly informative pictorial timeline. The whole experience is designed for a multinational audience and creates a strong impression while remaining rich in content and historical value.

 

From Concept to Completion


The Historic Environment Scotland team of content and interpretation specialists were inspirational to work with and this made the design process exceptionally rewarding. Quality and procurement was managed by HES internally in order that the final fit-out and build of the project remained true to the vision of Qualia and the HES interpretation team.

The Wider Team


Following Qualia's formal appointment as Lead Designer in September 2017, it was possible to create a concept from which the wider team could be appointed based on relative experience and quality. The wider team included:


Matt Johnson - Freelance Project Management

KSLD - Lighting Design and Installation

Splintr - Exhibition Fit-Out Contractor

Ay-Pe - Audio-visual and Immersive Media Specialists

See recent press releases on the Fight for the Castle experience:


https://www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/news/new-exhibition-officially-opens-at-edinburgh-cast...


https://www.historyscotland.com/articles/scottish-history/fight-for-the-castle-brand-new-permanent-e...


https://www.scottishfield.co.uk/travel/scotland-travel/castle-hosts-exhibition-on-wars-of-independen...


https://stv.tv/news/east-central/1432888-edinburgh-castle-holds-wars-of-independence-exhibition/

'We’ve delivered something completely different for the ‘Fight for the Castle’ exhibition - an immersive and atmospheric experience that we hope will both inform and inspire visitors through sound, light and projected imagery.'


Historic Environment Scotland's Chief Executive, Alex Paterson

'The ‘Fight for the Castle’ exhibition offers an exciting insight into the fascinating history of our country during the Wars of Independence... the exhibition will attract visitors who are keen to discover more about Scotland’s glorious past.'


Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop

Images by kind permission of Historic Environment Scotland

HLF Bid Complete - Good Luck Elsecar!


April 2018. Qualia has completed its Interpretation and Engagement Strategy for Elsecar's historic visitor destination in South Yorkshire. The timely HLF stage one study was carried out on behalf of L&R Consulting for Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. Qualia collaborated with The Heritage Angel, Purcell Conservation Architects, Walker Singleton Surveyors and Palmer Squared Heritage Marketing Consultants to develop a proposal that will make the most of the historic site with increased popular appeal and updated recreational activities.       

New Proposals for Edinburgh Castle


March 2018. Qualia has just submitted conceptual proposals to Historic Environment Scotland's Interpretation Unit for a number of upgrades at Edinburgh Castle. These include a conceptual planning study that makes the visitor journey through the Castle's Royal Palace more focused on the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny and the display of significant artworks from the collection within the Mary Room, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. 

Qualia Developing Blackburn Cathedral's new Visitor Experience


January 2018. Qualia has been appointed Lead Interpretive Design Consultant for Blackburn Cathedral's round two HLF bid. The Qualia team will be working alongside  BG&H LLP Architects, York-based graphic designers Bivouac Limited and The Heritage Angel Limited. 
 

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