Bespoke Display Cases — Hogarth Press Exhibition, Charleston

Brief and approach

The commission required display cases for several groupings of books with different display contexts — free-standing, wall-mounted, alcove-fitted, and vertical wall displays. The challenge was to accommodate each set of books while making the most of the available wall and floor space. Each type needed to be coherent as a family of objects while responding to specific conservation, structural, and spatial requirements.

All cases were designed in SketchUp using scale 3D models developed from available information on book dimensions, allowing proportions, layout, and sight lines to be tested before build. Physical test samples were made to evaluate joinery methods and finishes before committing to the final specification.

Each case type was also designed with future adaptability in mind. Provision for LED strip lighting was built into the vitrines and shelf units throughout, allowing lighting to be added at a later date without structural modification.

Materials and finish

The structural carcasses were built in Medite Clear (low-formaldehyde MDF) and birch plywood. All surfaces were sealed with conservation-grade acrylic glaze before finishing, to prevent off-gassing in enclosed conservation environments. MDF surfaces were painted with acrylic primer undercoat and vinyl matt emulsion. Birch ply exterior surfaces were hand-finished with Osmo oil to a light satin finish.

The sawn edges of the plywood are intentionally left visible as part of the design aesthetic, honest to the material and its construction. The light satin finish preserves this quality while protecting the surface.

Cast acrylic was used across all case types, with security fixings throughout.

Case types

Freestanding vitrines

Desk-height cases with clearance underneath for wheelchair access. The leg design was adapted from an earlier display case design, retaining visual continuity — legs from previous versions are interchangeable. A horizontal cross bar, retained for its aesthetic, was reoriented from the front to the sides of the cabinet to allow unobstructed access. The larger freestanding vitrine carries an additional set of legs and cross-supports to prevent sagging across its greater span.

Console vitrines (wall-attached)

Similar in construction to the freestanding vitrines but fixed to the wall via a plywood bracket. The wall attachment gives fixed placement without the need for additional structural bracing.

Tilted-shelf wall-mounted units

Shelves set at the angle recommended for book conservation, reducing the number of conservation supports required. The shelf system allows height to be adjusted and shelves to be swapped for ones at different angles, making the units adaptable for future use.

Alcove shelf units

Shelves fitted into existing architectural alcoves in the Wolfson Gallery. Birch ply shelves are attached to the alcove sides, secured with an acrylic window panel and security fixings.

Vertical wall-mounted displays

Panels fixed directly to the wall, custom-made for specific book sizes and sets, displaying books cover-out for the clearest view and best lighting. Small shelves support the weight of the books. An acrylic display case fits over each display, with security fixings at the edges away from the display area.