Chester Zoo’s Challenge
When Chester Zoo approached Mather & Co, they faced the challenge of transforming a large vacant space into a digital experience and gallery that would be able to achieve the expectations of an audience eager to see the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition.
Mather & Co’s Approach
We were responsible for the exhibition design and the creation of the audio-visual display, utilising projector screens to immerse visitors in photography, allowing them to feel as if they could step into the images. To enhance the visitor engagement, we also developed soundscapes, films, and expert insights into the diversity and beauty of life on Earth.
“Mather & Co followed the design guide from Natural History Museum, ensuring brand standards were maintained, the exhibition space felt in-keeping with the overall aesthetic of the building.”
Gemma Wright, Visitor Experience General Manager at Chester Zoo
The Result
We were very pleased with the finished exhibition, as it proved to be a success - from impressive visitors’ numbers, positive client feedback, and enthusiastic visitor responses. Here are some key highlights from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition…
- The exhibition attracted nearly 50,000 visitors in just under two months (February 17 to April 6).
- It received 50 pieces of coverage across local, regional and national press.
Visitor feedback
“From the beginning the journey in the zoo bus through the zoo at twilight, to the meet and greet area with twinkly lights and welcome drink, to the visual exhibition and films, it was charming and uplifting.”
“Just being able to see this exhibition again, as I regularly used to visit the one in London and am not really able to now, so I really appreciate being able to access it in the north.”
“The atmosphere of the event was amazing!”
“The location was perfect. Photos very well distributed around the room so no queues to view any.”
“The videos showing how the images were captured was my favourite part.”
“The exhibition was really well thought out and set up and I loved the sound effects.”
“The experience was great, and I loved the exhibition.”
“The exhibition was very good, well laid out and each photo was labelled with lots of info.”
“The photography exhibition was mind blowing!”
“The photography exhibition was excellent, along with the information on the species and the photographer’s process. An excellent venue.”
In addition to the positive visitor feedback, we also received praise from Chester Zoo:
“The team were very open from start to finish, quickly interpreting our needs and creating a design that reflected the space very well. Communication was great and any questions were answered very quickly by the team. You could tell that the team have a range of experience and worked very well together.”
It was a pleasure working with Chester Zoo on this fascinating exhibition! If you have a project in mind that you would like to discuss, feel free to get in touch with us today to see how we can bring your ideas to life!
