Old Bolingbroke Exhibition

Brief

Bringing the Story of Old Bolingbroke to Life

Energy Cell was commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council’s Heritage Department to develop the exhibition design and interpretation for Old Bolingbroke.

Our role was to create an engaging visitor experience that celebrated the site’s rich history, combining thoughtful storytelling with accessible, visually compelling design. The exhibition was carefully developed to connect visitors of all ages with the heritage of this significant Lincolnshire landmark.

The Old Bolingbroke exhibition project aimed to:

Create an engaging and informative exhibition that brings the site’s history to life
Develop clear, accessible interpretation for a broad range of audiences
Design a cohesive visual identity that complements the historic setting
Encourage visitors to explore the wider heritage and significance of Old Bolingbroke
Deliver high-quality exhibition graphics and interpretive materials that enhance the overall visitor experience

A Space That Invites You In

We wanted the interpretation to work for anyone who walks through the door: a school group on a day out, or someone local who’s passed the site a hundred times. Nothing’s dumbed down, but nothing feels like hard work to read either.

We also kept the visual identity quiet, on purpose. It sits alongside the historic setting instead of competing with it, so the exhibition feels like it’s always belonged there. That’s really what gets people to linger a bit longer and follow the story from one panel to the next.

Creating a Sense of Place

Beyond communicating information, the exhibition was designed to evoke the atmosphere and character of Old Bolingbroke in the Gas House and Castle Shed. Through carefully considered materials, colour palettes, lighting, graphics and spatial design, we created an immersive environment that encourages visitors to pause, explore, and connect with the stories of the site. Every element was chosen to reinforce the sense of place, ensuring the exhibition feels authentic to its historic surroundings while providing a memorable and engaging visitor experience.

"Our aim was to create more than an exhibition—we wanted to create an immersive story. Every graphic, material, and spatial element was carefully considered to reflect the character of Old Bolingbroke, allowing visitors to experience its history in a way that feels immersive, authentic and memorable."

Nami Lee

Senior Graphic Designer