Heaton Hall

If only the walls of Manchester’s Heaton Hall could talk, what tales they would have to tell…

They could relate how the house was rebuilt by a fashionable 18th century architect and decorated by some of the finest artists and craftsmen of the period. Of how the Egerton family used the hall’s grand interiors and parkland setting to reflect their passions and to entertain and impress the rich and famous, supported by a retinue of servants. And how changing fashions, fortunes and society led to the hall and park becoming a much-loved place for public enjoyment.

Since the walls are dumb, other means must be found to pass on the stories of this Grade 1 neo-classical building. We were commissioned by Manchester City Galleries to draw up a visitor experience and outline interpretation plan to be incorporated into a larger bid for funding. Our proposals revolved around the key characters whose inspiration, aspirations and tastes shaped Heaton Hall and to present them in ways relevant to all.

Personally-tailored experiences of the hall can be achieved through careful layering of content and innovative use of new media, such as Mobitour, Bluetooth and technology which allows visitors to find out more about a particular character as they explore the hall, via scan stations triggered by bar codes. Other suggestions included an interactive touch table representing an imagined work desk of the architect and a Grand Tour interactive highlighting the influences and items which were brought back to Heaton.

The plan evolved through research, internal consultation and evaluation with the local community. Moira Stevenson, Head of Manchester City Galleries, commented:

“Working with Imagemakers to develop the interpretation strategy for Heaton Hall was a very positive experience. They were receptive to ideas from Galleries and Leisure staff and worked in a very collaborative way to develop the interpretive plan. They also played an active role alongside staff and other consultants at a focus group where proposals were tested. We hope that the funding application will be successful and we can go on to realise the interpretation in the Hall.”