Celebrating Craftsmanship and Artistry

Copyrights of the photograph above belong to The Royal Armories.

Our Latest Exhibition Design Project

In September 2023, Simon Leach Design embarked on an exciting journey as Royal Armouries appointed us to design a temporary exhibition centred around decorated firearms at their museum in Leeds. This unique project is not about showcasing a collection of historical weapons but celebrating the art and craftsmanship of making and exploring the act of giving and receiving. Guns are powerful weapons. They can be loaded with meaning, as well as bullets. Plated in precious metals, lavishly carved and covered with diamonds, firearms have been embellished and intricately decorated throughout history. As objects of art, they are used to campaign for peace, as tokens of love and desire, and as diplomatic gifts between nations. From a gold AK-47 and an Art Deco 'Baby' Browning to richly decorated firearms from across the globe, this temporary exhibition features iconic objects from the Royal Armouries collection alongside contemporary artworks.

Re: Loaded will reflect on a difficult question: why attempt to beautify a potentially deadly weapon? Above all, our goal is to invite visitors to view these objects not as mere tools of war but as exquisite works of art.

Our Design Approach:

A Minimalistic Display:

One of the core principles guiding our design response was to allow the firearms to speak for themselves. We opted for a minimalist approach, displaying the guns within cases with minimal additional interventions. The firearms are mounted simply, accompanied only by a reference number. This uncluttered visual composition allows visitors to focus entirely on the displayed items, immersing themselves in the intricate details of each piece. For those seeking more information, we've provided handheld catalogues, mirroring the experience of browsing through an art exhibition guide.

Creating an Immersive Environment:

Given that the gallery space was undergoing redevelopment, we seized the opportunity to craft a unique visitor experience. We designed a "box" within the gallery, constructed with plasterboard, for a seamless graphic surface. This enclosed space allows us to control and contain the visitor's journey, curate a cohesive visual design language, and immerse guests in decorated firearms.

Embracing the Luxury Aesthetic:

Decorated firearms have long symbolised power, wealth, and luxury. To reflect this rich history and enhance the visitor's experience, we drew inspiration from the world of high-end shopping malls. The gallery design embodies a luxury retail environment's ambience, with walls resembling a series of upscale retail facades. Neon signs hang within the space, adding drama and a sense of the art world. The floor is designed as a series of walkways that guide visitors through the exhibition. Introductory graphics are displayed within backlit totems reminiscent of shopping mall information boards, creating an ambience that resonates with the luxury associated with these exquisite artefacts.

In one section of the exhibition, the artwork of Bran Symondson is displayed, whose work subverts items of violence, such as the AK47 rifle, transforming them into art by covering them in butterflies or love hearts.

Conclusion:

At Simon Leach Design, we take pride in transforming spaces into captivating experiences. Our work on the temporary exhibition at Leeds Royal Armouries is a testament to our commitment to celebrating craftsmanship, artistry, and the power of minimalistic design. Visit this unique exhibition when it opens on the 16th of December, where history, art, and luxury converge to provide a memorable journey through the world of decorated firearms. Witness the fusion of past and design excellence, where every gun becomes a masterpiece.