Installing an exhibition for the first time ahead of an 18-month tour is no mean feat. Emma Daker shows us how it’s done. Emma Daker – Exhibitions and Project Development Manager, CraftspaceSwipe / click to begin Thursday, Herbert Art Gallery & MuseumInstallation of the ‘Made in the Middle’ exhibition has begun! Over 18 months’ work is about to become tangible. The Herbert team have spent the past few days preparing the gallery and now Amy (Craftspace’s Administrator) and I have arrived to work with them. Today was hectic; many of the 32 exhibitors delivered their work and Juneau Projects arrived with the build we commissioned specifically for the exhibition. The layout, previously planned on paper, was modified. May the condition reporting commence! FridayMade in the Middle is a selling exhibition, so accompanying shop stock, created by the exhibitors, is a key element. Amy was busy documenting and checking it all. Several of the pieces require power, so they were PAT tested by the Herbert’s technicians. We also began measuring out spaces for wall pieces and mounting works. Juneau Projects have created a striking build for the exhibition using grey Valchromat. It was great to see the work laid out, like Sally Collins’ extravagant jewellery. MondayDuring installation I ensure everything is well documented for the tour manual. It’s important that we provide comprehensive instructions on how every piece of work, build and AV is installed. Today’s highlight was an automata delivery by exhibitor John Grayson. John’s work utilises sensors and Arduino Uno microcontroller boards as ‘digital handles’. A sensor responds to a visitor’s hand in front of the work and the Brexit themed automata moves. TuesdayThe exhibition features many craft disciplines, from ceramics to textiles, jewellery and metalwork to furniture. Consequently, everything has different display requirements. Although the installation is carefully planned, it still takes time to work out when the piece is finally in front of you and has to tour for eighteen months. Following lots of problem solving in the first few days of install, today the wall mounting continued at a pace! WednesdayToday, things came together – we have an exhibition! Some elements needed tweaking so they’re robust enough for the tour. I’ve been busy securing jewellery, as much of it is on open display. We’re looking forward to the press view, awarding prizes to makers and the evening launch – with a glass of wine maybe. There’ll be a couple of days to reflect before it’s back to the office to begin that installation manual. Emma Daker is Exhibitions and Project Development Manager at Craftspace, Birmingham. www.craftspace.co.uk Made in the Middle: Contemporary Craft from across the Midlands runs at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry until 19 February 2017 Arts PeopleVisual artsLink to Author(s): Emma Daker Published: 06-12-2016 Log in or register to post comments