Sutton Hoo, National Trust
Sculptural installation
2021/22
An atmospheric installation for the High Hall entrance area.
Following my earlier work with Sutton Hoo, and subsequent other National Trust work, I was asked to provide a few ideas for a ‘wow-factor’ installation in the entrance area of the High Hall (main exhibition space at Sutton Hoo).
There was an existing AV projection on a curved timber wall surface that was struggling against daylight coming in from the entrance door, but I thought there might be a way of saving and repurposing it.
The main challenge for the installation was ‘What should it be?’ Consultation within the NT team and volunteers suggested that the iconic Sutton Hoo helmet be used.
However, I was wary of creating just another representation of the helmet. I explored how a helmet-derived installation might amplify visitor’s understanding of the helmet details, and a heightened appreciation for the helmet replica that was in an adjacent display case. ‘How might we create an installation that acts as a prop for volunteers to start conversations with visitors, and a springboard to a greater understanding of the helmet’s features?’ This ‘prop and springboard’ idea drove my approach.
Early exploration of ideas
Highlighting the flying dragon motif
Working out scale and impact
Two key features of the helmet warranted attention: the prominent ‘winged dragon’ motif; and the little-known theory of how the gold foil backing to the dexter eyebrow garnets would have served to reflect light more than the opposite side, giving the helmet wearer a link to the one-eyed god Odin.
And the existing projector?…
It was thought that firelight reflecting on the decorated panels of the original helmet would have given the impression of the motifs moving. In the spirit of the ‘prop and springboard’ approach mentioned above, I suggested that new projected content should give visitors a sense of how these details would have been brought to life by firelight. Some quick tests below show how the various motifs could appear ‘lit from below’ by firelight –
The Dancing Warriors
Interlace pattern
The Rider and Fallen Warrior
Compiling a storyboard test for how the repurposed projection and backlit eyebrow garnets could work together to give an atmosphere of ‘reflected in firelight’ –
Workhaus Projects did an amazing job in creating the metalwork based on my 3D Vectorworks model. Georgina Ferguson, and Jan Lower at Elbow Productions, brought the AV content to life.
View from High Hall entrance
A prop for conversations – 'Why is one eyebrow flickering with light?'
A springboard to the adjacent display