As previously mentioned, there is the possibility that we might not have access to the back wall in the exhibition space of the Library.
In this case, it's important that we think of possible alternatives should this happen.
We think it's necessary to continue to have photographs of the workshop should the gallery wall not be available in the location we had expected it. We would like the attendants of the workshops, and therefore contributors to the exhibition, to have a space where photographs of their work can be seen.
I have sketched 2 ideas that I think would make good alternatives. Both ideas do have pros and cons which will be discussed below.
Warren has also created some digital mock-ups of alternatives to the gallery wall being at the back of the exhibition space. I will discuss these below.
In this idea, the mannequins are stood in a staggered fashion around a partition wall that has been placed underneath the staircase. The partition wall here has two purposes - to separate the tv showing the film from the main exhibition space and to act as a gallery wall with photographs hung there.
Here, the partition wall may still be spray painted with the colours of the Fashioning Our History branding. The spaces of the backdrop and the gallery wall are combined here to make use of the more limited space available.
The mannequins would be spaced out so that each dress is still visible, with some nearer the wall and some further away. Their staggered layout would give the illusion of varying heights however this could be exaggerated with podiums. I do think if the heights were to be exaggerated, it might be a little busy on the eye for the viewer.
The main issue with this idea, I believe, is it would create the dilemma of whether the viewer is able to (and feels they are able to) approach the photographs to see them clearly. If the viewer were to approach the gallery wall, we risk them coming too close to the mannequins. If the viewer feels that they can not approach the gallery wall, we risk them not being able to see the photographs, ultimately making their existence futile.
With this second idea, the mannequins are placed perpendicular to the understairs partition wall. The mannequins are stood in one horizontal line facing the viewer as they approach the stairs whilst the understairs partition wall acts as the gallery wall for viewers to see from the side of the stairs.
This layout would make the gallery wall considerably less busy and viewers could walk up to the photographs to see them more clearly as long as we mark out with tape on the floor how near to the mannequins they can stand. The gallery wall would still be spraypainted with the brand colours.
Whilst this gives the viewer adequate visual space to observe both the photographs and the garments, it does mean that the mannequins don't have a backdrop which is something both myself and Warren have been wanting since being inspired by the Kimono exhibition at the V&A.
We would also have to be careful with the spacing round the back of the mannequins to ensure people don't bump into them from the back.
Despite this, I do like this alternative as I think the line of mannequins is a very clean and professional layout.
This is the first of Warren's digital mock up. I love the combination of the digital and the hand drawn in these as it really encompasses the occurring themes in the overall project.
I enjoy the use of the podium to elevate the final garment and this layout works particularly well with three mannequins. The podium in the centre is reminiscent of a winner's podium at a sporting event which makes the progression from the practice garments to the final garment evident.
I assume that with this layout, the photographs are hung on the right side of the partition wall so that they can be viewed next to the garments which would make both the viewing of the garments and the photographs clear.
The only change to this that I would like to see is the continuation of the spray paint backdrop along the whole of the partition wall.
I really enjoy the busy-ness of this digital mockup. I think it is very striking and that if the gallery wall and the garments are next to one another, we can play with colour combinations between the two to make a really striking presentation.
I enjoy the progression of the podiums so that the viewer can see a clear progression from practice garment to final garment. The only concern I have with this is the steadiness of the final garment on the last podium. Whilst I'm sure it would be fine free-standing, it does concern me that the podium looks relatively high and that viewers could walk rather close to it.
Whilst my initial reaction is that, again I would enjoy the gallery wall to have a background that is spray painted in the FOH colours, I actually find myself being drawn to the appearance of the final garment on the podium in front of the section of colour. The separation of the final garment by height and by backdrop makes it stand out and would make a very striking photo opportunity.
With both mine and Warren's varying ideas, I think we have a well rounded variety of options to go for should we not have access to the back wall.
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