2006 Awards

We found this project well deserving of an award. The multi-media approach provided a ‘way in’ for all the visitors we observed, and the triumph was to bring to life the objects in the Elizabethan house. The touch screens were particularly well used, and the interactive elements managed to provide good insights into the background, design and symbolism of the objects whilst making them interesting and engaging as well. All the different media were well researched and sensitively designed and produced, from leather bound large book folders to samples of embroidery using different techniques for the visitor to feel.

The staff were also a major contribution to this success; being, without exception, well informed, enthusiastic and welcoming to everyone on a very busy Saturday. Hardwick Hall should justifiably be proud of them.

The judges would recommend that a further development would be to perhaps have an audio guide of ‘Bess of Hardwick’ telling the story of her house to the visitor as it is her personality that we would like to see shine even more through the interpretation. A most enjoyable visit and one of the judges was able to spend most of the day there, and the other will certainly return to find out even more.