STUDIO.1 is proud to announce the successful completion of an extensive and captivating museum display project for a prestigious Scottish Whisky distillery. This venture came to fruition through a collaboration with a well-respected and award-winning London design agency, showcasing our commitment to excellence and innovative design.

A Journey of Transformation

The project involved a series of stunning display walls, each ranging from 2.2m to 2.5m in height and spanning lengths of 2.4m to 4m. With themes that included ‘Humble Beginnings’, ‘Medals’, ‘Dewar’s Timeline’, and ‘Advertising Innovation’, the walls collectively narrate the rich heritage and evolution of the distillery. Our team embarked on an on-location survey to gather crucial data, ensuring every detail was meticulously accounted for and tailored to enhance the storytelling experience.

The Dewar's Timeline display

The Advertising Innovation display with over 760 LED lights, sequenced with bespoke lighting control system

Highlighting ‘Advertising Innovation’

The crown jewel of the project was undoubtedly the ‘Advertising Innovation’ panel. This centerpiece required us to manufacture a bespoke wall framework onto which we applied a poly-canvas backdrop. What made this panel truly remarkable were the over 760 holes we meticulously drilled to align with the key figure of Dewar’s. These 8mm holes were specifically designed to house 8mm locators and 5mm OD LED lights, creating a stunning visual narrative.

Our innovative approach included wiring these lights in parallel at the rear of the panel, allowing them to illuminate sequentially through the bespoke lighting control system built into the display roof. This sophisticated setup operates across four programmable zones and one static zone, bringing the Dewar’s figure to life as it dramatically pours a drink and raises a glass in a celebratory toast, replicating a historic moment from the past.

A Nod to History

The ‘Advertising Innovation’ panel pays homage to Dewar’s iconic illuminated sign showcased at London’s Waterloo Bridge, unveiled in 1910. At 68 feet high, it was once the largest mechanical sign in Europe, a stunning display constructed with over six miles of electric cable and 1,400 lamps. This new installation not only preserves that legacy but reinvents it in a modern context with cutting-edge technology, whilst retaining visual simplicity.

A Rewarding Endeavor

The project was a journey that required extensive product and material application research, emphasizing the need for precision and high commercial standards. Each step allowed us to refine our craft and engage with a diverse group of fascinating individuals along the way.

As we reflect on the remarkable journey of this project, we are filled with pride in what we have accomplished. Each wall is more than just a display; it is a tribute to the distillery’s heritage and an invitation to visitors to immerse themselves in the world of whisky, craftsmanship, and innovation.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the London design agency for entrusting STUDIO.1 with the reponsibility of delivering on-time this creative project. Your vision and commitment to excellence inspired our team throughout the entire process, and your collaborative spirit made for a truly enriching experience. Together, we were able to bring to life a design that not only honors the storied legacy of the Scottish Whisky Distillery but also captivates and engages its visitors in a meaningful way. Thank you for your partnership and support in making this project a resounding success. We look forward to future collaborations that continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

An Intricate Process

Each graphic wall panel was designed to be seamless, applied in one go to provide the best finish and viewer experience possible. The attention to detail and dedication to quality were paramount throughout the installation process. Our comprehensive scope of work included an initial on-location site survey, followed by studio and on-location work featuring wall preparation, frame building, wall painting and PVA sealing, printing, trimming and glueing of poly-canvas, marking, drilling and setting LED light locators, wiring in parallel and installation of LED lights, bespoke design, build, test and installation of software driven lighting control system.

At STUDIO.1, we are committed to pushing creative boundaries and delivering projects that leave a lasting impression, and this museum display project was no exception. We look forward to sharing more of our upcoming endeavors and continuing to shape inspiring environments through design.

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