The Death of Major Peirson - The Battle of Jersey, 6th January, 1781

Background

We wanted to raise the bar for the interpretation of an historic narrative painting. Curator Louise Downie had seen an installation interpreting a similar painting elsewhere and this was enough of a prompt to design the exhibition.  The sound and light presentation was the result.  Hear the audio here.

We had to balance four factors:

• The painting The Death of Major Peirson by John Singleton Copley which depicts the Battle for Jersey at its moment of crisis, the death of the gallant and posthumously victorious Major Peirson - loaned by Tate Britain to Jersey Heritage
• The need to replace the existing flooring and the lighting system in the Art Gallery
• A collection of objects and 2D material linked to the painting
• A narrative of events and cast of characters - primary and secondary research by the Jersey Heritage curatorial team 

This page shows a typical design and project management process. We're normally working with a multi disciplinary team:

• Flooring contractors 
• Air conditioning specialists
• Specialist painting movers
• Electricians
• Builders
• Specialist case suppliers - Click Netherfield
• Lighting and sound system designers and suppliers - DJ Willrich
• Script writer
• An audio production company - Sparklab productions in Manchester
• A specialist drummer - Paul Patrick from the RNCM in Manchester
• A graphics designer
• A sound designer

SFL ran most aspects of the project from scripting and recording to installation and final sound and light balancing to the space and the objects.  We also ran the procurement of the cases and liaised with the local contractors who installed the electrical systems and the floor.  Hanging, installation, case dressing and conservation were handled by the Jersey Heritage team. 

Louise Downie is Jersey Heritage's Curator of Art and you can read her catalogue by clicking here.