Famous Beyond Words

Client

Designer

Real Studios

Project Type

Permanent Exhibition

Theme

The Hub secured the contract to provide the role of principal contractor fit-out services on a Design and Build collaboration with Real Studios. The project was on a fast track programme and The Hub managed the team to ensure the project milestones were maintained from appointment.

Along with complex set works elements The Hub also procured and co-ordinated various specialist sub-contractor packages including M&E, graphics, showcases, partitioning and ceilings. One of the most challenging of all set works was the striking architectural structure of the original Globe theatre, a large separating acrylic dome serving a logistical as well as a dramatic purpose, a key feature of the exhibition.

“You Say You Want a Revolution? Records and Rebels 1966-1970”

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“You Say You Want a Revolution? Records and Rebels 1966-1970”

This blockbuster exhibition explores the era-defining significance and impact of the late 1960s, expressed through some of the greatest music and performances of the 20th century alongside fashion, film, design and political activism. The Hub were appointed in the role of principal contractor on a 13 week programme to manage, coordinate, manufacture and install this multi sensory exhibition. With displays reaching to the top of the temporary exhibition galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum coordination with lighting and acoustic designers was integral to delivering the creative...
The Sun: Living With Our Star

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The Sun: Living With Our Star

Opening in the darkening days of Autumn, Science Museum shed light onto the relationship with the sun in their latest exhibition: The Sun: Living With Our Star. Showcasing a contrasting array of Nordic Bronze Age artefacts and virtual interactives, mankind’s dependence on the sun is explored in a multitude of ways to encourage both young and old to get involved. As Principal Contractor, The Hub showcased their ability to deliver exhibitions that exceed client expectations, which integrated seamlessly the works of specialist sub- contractors providing an array of Interactives, Models,...
Kingdom of Ife

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Kingdom of Ife

The Guardian said: 'This is an exceptional exhibition, even by the high standards The British Museum has established in recent years. It is extraordinary because it brings together such a large number of masterpieces that have rarely or never been exhibited outside Nigeria before – and when I say masterpieces, I mean artworks that rank with the Terracotta Army, the Parthenon or the mask of Tutankhamun as treasures of the human spirit.' The Hub were delighted to have been appointed to carry out the manufacture and installation of all display equipment for this prestigious project and...
China's First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors

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China's First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors

The major exhibition running as part of Liverpool’s city of culture 2018 see’s the city embracing its Far East routes, showcasing the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries exploring 1,000 years of Chinese history; from the conflicts and chaos of the Warring States period, to the achievements and legacy of the Qin and Han dynasties.Appointed Principal Contractor, The Hub’s key challenge for the project was managing the number of client direct appointed contractors during the short programme for the Construction Phase On Site. By holding meeting with all parties from...
Love the Words

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Love the Words

Dylan Thomas was born on October 27, 1914 in Swansea, and died on November 9, 1953 in New York. To celebrate the centenary of Dylan’s birth a new exhibition was commissioned by Swansea City Council to meet the needs of visitors to Swansea to celebrate the centenary of his birth and provide a long lasting legacy. The Hub were appointed following a competitive tendering process that required us to demonstrate our ability to deliver this permanent exhibition to a very tight project timeline and a finite budget, which was achieved
International Bomber Command Centre

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International Bomber Command Centre

Appointed as Principal Contractor, The Hub worked alongside base build contractor RG Carter Building to deliver interior and external interpretation works, working within the Chadwick Centre and Peace Garden. The Hub delivered a multi sensory experience for visitors bringing together high quality materials with setworks, graphics, audio visual and interactives for an emotional and thought provoking remembrance centre. The fully immersive experience at the centre takes the visitor on journey through WWII and the blitz with the state of the art facility recognising and commemorating not only...
Visitor Centre Experience: Commonwealth War Graves Commission

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Visitor Centre Experience: Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Created in 1917 by Royal Charter, The CWGC commemorates the 1.7million service men and woman, who lost their lives during the two world wars. As the CWGC enters its second century, emphasis on the education and information being provided to visitors is pivotal in preserving the memory of the fallen. To support this The CWGC intended to build a visitors centre called the CWGC and appointed the Hub to complete the works for the design, supply and installation of interpretation for the Visitors Centre Experience. The Hub collaborated with, appointed and managed a number of specialist...
Collider: Step Inside the World’s Greatest Experiment

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Collider: Step Inside the World’s Greatest Experiment

This fascinating project presented The Hub with the opportunity to develop a travelling exhibition suitable for the global market. Critical to the success of the project was its promotion to other institutions and its ability to be easily packed and transported. The Hub’s attention to detail was prevalent during the execution and the project was completed within the budget, on time and to a truly exceptional standard of quality.
Manga The British Museum

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Manga The British Museum

Once The Hub had been invited to complete works as the Principal Contractor for the Manga exhibition at The British Museum, we were thrilled to learn the sheer scope of works that would be completed and intrigued by the overall vision for the exhibition. Manga, meaning unbound pictures, originates from Japan and is characterised by its visual art narrative. Beyond its origins Manga is now being translated into art, fashion, animation and gaming, with the exhibition exploring its growth in contemporary culture. The scope of works saw us complete a number of bespoke acrylic box frames, to...
Plywood: Material of the Modern World

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Plywood: Material of the Modern World

The temporary exhibition in the Porter Gallery celebrates the varied history of Plywood and how the material has shaped our modern world becoming a leading material for manufacturers. The Hub were appointed as Principal Contractor to undertake the exhibition fit out works managing and coordinating a dual phased installation including setworks, high level works, audio visual, graphics, models and large object install.
Wonders of the Peak: Collections in the Landscape

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Wonders of the Peak: Collections in the Landscape

Buxton Museum & Art Gallery is part of DCC, Health & Communities Department. ‘Collections in the Landscape’ was a development opportunity being delivered at Buxton Museum which was supported by the Council and awarded Stage 2 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Buxton Museum & Art Gallery appointed The Hub as Principal Contractor to deliver the new 'Wonders of the Peak' gallery, with the primary focus of introducing new displays and to include integration of digital interpretation, within a space of 160sqm. To achieve this, the over-arching scope required extensive...
RAF Centenary Projects

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RAF Centenary Projects

The Hub was appointed in July 2017 by the Royal Air Force Museum to deliver three new exhibitions at RAF Museums Hendon and Cosford. These permanent exhibitions are integral to the museums Centenary Transformation Programme and their appointment followed the delivery of the award winning ‘First World War in the Air’ exhibition delivered in 2015 as part of the First World War remembrance programme. Delivering three exhibitions within hangers at RAF Hendon and RAF Cosford; “The First 100 Years” (design by MET STUDIO), “Now and the Future” (design by KOSSMANN.DEJONG) and “Age of...
First World War in the Air

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First World War in the Air

The Hub is aware of the importance of the First World War commemorations and were therefore proud to be appointed as principal contractors for this prestigious exhibition. Value engineering was critical to meet the project’s budget, whilst ensuring that aspirations for the exhibition were met. This collaborative process included the client, designer and specialist sub-contractors and was programmed to meet the fixed opening date. Producing exhibit structures in-house, The Hub were responsible for the procurement and co-ordination of specialist packages including; aircraft rigging,...
Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery

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Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery

The American Battle Monuments Commissions Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery commemorates the birthplace of American combat aviation and is a lasting symbol of the Franco-American comradeships during the First World War. When invited to complete the design development and fit out for the caretakers’ cottage we were thrilled to take on such a challenging project and to work alongside Haley Sharp Design, the development project saw its transformation into a visitors centre. The building was designed to provide a warm welcome to visitors, introducing the historical context of the...
Heritage and Learning Hub

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Heritage and Learning Hub

The redevelopment of Battersea Power Station saw The Hub appointed by Cultural Innovations to deliver their designs for the new Heritage and Learning Hub. The new interactive exhibition allows visitors to learn about the power station’s history in providing power to the capital and what the future holds for the building and surrounding area. Working to a strict deadline and budget, The Hub produced a variety of integrated setwork structures with graphics, interactives, showcases and AV hardware with our team coordinating multiple specialist sub contractors to deliver a high quality...
Roald Dahl Redevelopment

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Roald Dahl Redevelopment

Following a flood leading to the closure of The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, The Hub were appointed to refurbish and refresh the museum to continue Roald Dahl’s Legacy. Based in Great Missenden, the home of Roald Dahl, the imagination and inspiration of the man behind so many loved stories can be explored in an innovative and creative way. To provide an interactive refreshment of the museum, The Hub worked alongside specialist sub-contractors to survey and document the existing exhibition and create new CAD drawings to replace the damaged pieces. Contemporary AV hardware replaced...
Wells Cathedral Clock

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Wells Cathedral Clock

Having left Wells Cathedral in the late 19th century to join the Science Museum’s collection its relocation to the first floor signifies the historical importance of the medieval artefact allowing the audience to get a close look at the mechanism itself. The Hub were appointed as Principal Contractor to undertake the fit-out works to deliver the move of the Wells Clock to the ground floor in the threshold space between Making the Modern World and the Welcome Wing of the Museum. Dating back to the 13 hundreds the classic timepiece is the UK’s oldest mechanism being repositioned on the...
I Object: Ian Hislop's search for dissent

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I Object: Ian Hislop's search for dissent

As Principal Contractor, The Hub delivered the vibrant and expressive temporary exhibition within Gallery 35. With a challenging concept, our team worked collaboratively from the onset to develop designs which encompassed our ability to challenge and mock authority figures, law, institutions and social and religious customs. To deliver the controversial concept in a comedic manner; our team built upon our strong relationship with the British Museum to review each element in design development to safeguard to agreed aesthetic and experience. By creating an open environment for discussion...
Cambridge American Cemetery Visitor Centre

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Cambridge American Cemetery Visitor Centre

The American Battle Monuments Commission serves to protect and provide access to a global collection of American cemeteries residing in foreign nations. The Cambridge American Cemetery opened its newly constructed visitors centre in May 2014. The scope of works outlined for this exhibition fit out, concentrate on rectifying some issues that were identified during an evaluation of the works previously. The main issues outlined within the scope of works include way-finding and acoustic problems within the visitors centre. The scope included one large acoustical fabric canopy and one smaller...
D-Day: Interception, Intelligence, Invasion

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D-Day: Interception, Intelligence, Invasion

Bletchley Park was once the top-secret home of the World War Two Codebreakers, where the decryption of messages and intelligence produced by the codebreakers saw significant developments in the efforts of World War Two. This design and build with PLB Projects, saw the delivery of the D-Day: Interception, Intelligence, Invasion Exhibition, Teleprinter Building at Bletchley Park. The scope that The Hub had been enlisted to complete included; the production of full setting out drawings, alongside the off-site production and on-site installation of joinery set-works, glass works and glazing,...
Shaping the World, Building the Future

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Shaping the World, Building the Future

The Hub were appointed on a design and build contract to convert and deliver concept designs produced by exhibition designers Real Studios (RS). Working closely with the Real Studios team we developed the initial concept designs into a workable exhibition delivering their vision for “Shaping the World, Building the Future “and exhibition to celebrate 150 years of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The exhibition is located in the library of Institute’s headquarters in London transforming the traditional décor into a stunning colourful exhibition without compromising...
Celts: Art and Identity

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Celts: Art and Identity

This is the first major exhibition to examine the full history of Celtic art and identity. The story unfolds over 2,500 years, from the first recorded mention of ‘Celts’ to an exploration of contemporary Celtic influences. The Hub was appointed as Principal Contractor to undertake the coordination, manufacture and installation of designs produced by Real Studios within the Sainsbury Exhibition Gallery. Key to the design was the waved forms of exhibition walls and a high level “voile” that links the 2,500 year story. To achieve a high quality installation of these...
Fermanagh Heritage Gateway Project

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Fermanagh Heritage Gateway Project

This major project includes the refurbishment of existing buildings in the Enniskillen Castle grounds and the construction of a new visitor centre. Delivering four new galleries The Hub are manufacturing all exhibition components at their HQ in Redditch, West Midlands, prior to shipping for installation in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland.
REAL Studios Dublin Bank

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REAL Studios Dublin Bank

Real Studios approached us with the opportunity to provide the exhibition fit out works on a project they had designed for Dublin Bank’s private meeting room’s refurbishment. The Hub’s scope of works consisted of metal-works, vinyl graphic production and application, production of museum grade showcases and the development of Dibond graphics panels. Dibond graphics panels were a large aspect of the scope of works. As a key aspect of the works, caution was required when transporting and fitting on-site. As a precaution, all Dibond graphic panels, metal frames and desks, were all dry...
National Portrait Gallery Spring Tender

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National Portrait Gallery Spring Tender

Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery holds the most extensive collection of portraits in the world. When The Hub were invited to complete four exhibition builds for the National Portrait Gallery, an exciting opportunity arose for us to showcase our ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects, running them in successful succession. After the duration the temporary exhibitions had come to an end, they all required dismantling and removing from the gallery space, a specification that had been included within the initial tender. The BP18 exhibition fit-out largely comprised of...
The Battle of Agincourt: 600th Anniversary Exhibition

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The Battle of Agincourt: 600th Anniversary Exhibition

The 25th October 2015 marked the 600th anniversary of the battle of Agincourt. To commemorate the event the Royal Armouries commissioned “Agincourt 600” a special exhibition in the White Tower at the Tower of London. Designed by Studio MB the exhibition brings together rare and iconic objects for the first time and utilises a scale model which allows unique views, through periscopes, into the heart of the battle. The exhibition was developed and installed by The Hub and required full scale mock ups of the model structure and associated media to facilitate the approvals process
Treasures of the Brotherton

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Treasures of the Brotherton

The Treasures of Brotherton Gallery is located in the Leeds University Library and is the public face of the special collections held at the University of Leeds. This unique exhibition required The Hub to produce high quality and technically challenging displays to present to the visitor this world class collection including Shakespeare’s First Folio and original material written by the Brontës.
Ahmad Al-Jaber Oil and Gas Museum

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Ahmad Al-Jaber Oil and Gas Museum

Centred on the nation’s heroic story of oil, the exhibition narrates the country’s oil industry and its connection with both history and modern life. The Centre holds exquisite displays and exhibits to make it one of the Jewels in the region’s Crown. Among the many hands on interactives, multimedia exhibits and objects displays, there are two central iconic features, the Oil Drop and heroes of Fire. The Hub were commissioned late on in the build of the project along with their sister company, Beck, to complete the museum, undertaking both the role of construction manager,...
Chelmsford Museum Refurbishment

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Chelmsford Museum Refurbishment

The initial scope of works required by Chelmsford City Council for the refurbishment of Chelmsford Museum was extensive and varied, providing The Hub with opportunity to carry out a variety of production and installation works, with a range of specifications for the different exhibitions. The scope of works included the refurbishment of the reception and shop, improving signage and orientation with set-work, metal-works and joinery, display cases and the installation and production of AV systems and graphics all included. The refurbishment of the reception saw the production and...
Scythians: Warriors of Ancient Siberia

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Scythians: Warriors of Ancient Siberia

As Principal Contractor for the major exhibition in the Sainsbury Exhibition Gallery; The Hub through integration of the museums ambitious 2D and 3D design delivered an exhibition showcasing the ferocious warriors who ruled the vast lands of Siberia between 900 and 200 BC. Feared and admired for their power and horsemanship in war the Scythians were a rich and powerful empire with the exhibition exploring this, highlighting beautiful examples of the Scythians craftmanship and prowess through art, jewllery, furniture, clothing and fabrics; on loan from the State Hermitage Museum in St...
Waterloo 200

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Waterloo 200

The “With the Rifles to Waterloo” exhibition opened at the Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum in Winchester to coincide with the Bi-Centenary of the Battle of Waterloo. The Hub working in collaboration with the exhibition designers, DesignMap, were required to sub divide the existing gallery to create exhibition and teaching space, coordinating services contractors whilst developing exhibition structures to focus on the centre piece of the exhibition, the 25 square metre diorama of the battlefield of Waterloo. This project is one of two that The Hub have undertaken to commemorate this...
Arabic Islamic Science Museum

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Arabic Islamic Science Museum

The Arabic Islamic Science Museum is an interactive, object-rich exploration of the Islamic civilisation, examining the people and innovations that played a crucial part in the development of intellectual thought in our world. The museum explores how and why the Islamic civilisation flourished from the 8th to the 15th century and the impact on our world and lives today. The Hub are undertaking a wide ranging scope of work including research, artworking, the procurement and coordination of numerous specialist work packages and the high level rigging of commissioned architectural models.
Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age

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Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age

Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age reveals the most significant collection of Russian spacecraft and artefacts ever to be shown in the UK. Working closely with the client and designers The Hub developed a two stage programme and construction details that would allow initial structures to be built, prior to specialist movers bringing in items of the collection including the Vostok 6 and Voskhod capsules that posed a significant risk to health due to the substances used to construct these space going craft. The further coordination of specialist sub-contractors and client direct packages was...
Orleans House

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Orleans House

An experienced specialist sub – contractor for base build contractors, The Hub were appointed by Quinn London to deliver high end bespoke joinery and graphic installation as part of Orleans House Galleries redevelopment. Therefore unlike other projects, all correspondence was reviewed by Bob prior to submittal to the client and design team. Working as a sub – contractor intensified our reliance on Quinn London with clear communication guidelines and deadlines propelling our approach to the project to deliver particularised scenic structures. With a clear brief that depended upon our...
Britain's First Saint Exhibition

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Britain's First Saint Exhibition

The story of St Albans Cathedral is that of change and growth, spanning across centuries and seeing St Albans begin as a small monastery and church, to the world famous Cathedral that we know of today. The scope of works entrusted to The Hub consisted of detailing, construction, delivery and management of the exhibition build and installation. This scope of works included the development and installation of the following; set-works and joinery items, metalwork, glass-works, conservation grade display cases, graphic artworks, AV hardware, models and physical interactives, lighting and...
Auckland Tower

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Auckland Tower

The Hub were appointed by the Auckland Project to design, manufacture and install support plinths and graphic interpretation units for Auckland Tower. As the central visitor space for visitors to the Auckland Project, the space required reimagining to be utilised as both a ticket office and a hub of information and inspiration.An innovative approach was essential to the unique structure of Auckland Tower to compliment the angled ceilings and be bold enough to fill the heightened space.The Hub worked collaboratively in partnership with Ingenious Creative to establish the requirements of the...
Coral Reefs: Secret Cities of the Sea

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Coral Reefs: Secret Cities of the Sea

“Coral Reefs: Secret Cities of the Sea” at the Natural History Museum opened to the public on the 27th March 2015 and will run until 13th September 2015. The Hub in the role of principal contractor worked closely with the Natural History Museum to ensure that this “live” exhibition was carefully coordinated with client direct and specialist sub-contractors. The main structural thread of the exhibition design is an interlocking system designed to represent coral.
Venom: Killer and Cure

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Venom: Killer and Cure

The major exhibition in the Jerwood Gallery showcased the role venom plays in the natural world with visitors contemplating venoms influence on life or death by the use of poison or cure. Taking the visitor on a journey through the venomous world, theatrical and visual displays develops an engaging atmosphere utilising the visitor’s senses to highlight the deadly power of venom. A key design feature for the exhibition was the use of fabrics; integration of fabrics throughout the setworks displays and gallery to imitate the skin of the venomous creatures on display. Achieving the required...
Peter Pan Moat Brae

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Peter Pan Moat Brae

After our initial invitation to begin the exhibition fit out, The Hub’s working relationship with the Moat Brae Trust and PLB Projects flourished and a cohesive and successful partnership ensued. The weeks that followed saw the development of a truly spectacular exhibition that captured the essence of the story the house inspired. The history and story that surrounds the Moat Brae house, implored the designers and client to keep the element of magic and intrigue alive when designing this exhibition. Thus a large portion of the exhibition is highly interactive. Ranging from large...
Cultural Zone at Sanger Institute

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Cultural Zone at Sanger Institute

The Wellcome Genome Campus is home to some of the world’s foremost institutes and organisations in genomics and computational biology, committed to delivering life-changing science with the reach, scale and imagination to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges. The Cultural Zone is an introductory exhibition that welcomes visitors to the campus conference facilities. Developing designs produced by Drinkall Dean The Hub manufactured and installed a central structure that incorporates multi media and information graphics. A key challenge was manufacturing exhibition structures...

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