Britain: One Million Years of the Human Story

The exhibition, situated in the Jerwood Gallery of Alfred Waterhouse’s Grade I listed building, has recently been completed at the Natural History Museum and will run until October 2014. Telling the story of ancient human lives in Britain, the exhibition reveals the ancient climate, landscapes, animals and humans who have inhabited this country over the last million years.

Our aim was to design a theatrical set to the exhibition, to inspire visitors about these ancient worlds. Through the use of large scale graphics and theatrical backdrops, the visitor embarks on a narrative led journey through the many ancient landscapes that once made up Britain. Specimens are given context and displayed to create relationships which tell incredible narratives about how humans once lived. Throughout the exhibition, real scale representations populate the walls, harnessing the connection between the ancient human species and the visitor that dramatically culminates upon the revealing of two life like models of a Neanderthal and early Homo Sapien.

Over 300 specimens are displayed (from the museum collection and loaned from other British museums), which reveal the incredible array of animals which once roamed this country. Using theatrical scenic techniques, we designed bespoke showcases to display the animals specimens in contemporary dioramas. We worked with graphic and lighting designers Nick Bell Design and DHA Designs.

Photography: Nick Rochowski