Marble Hill House

English Heritage  |  2022

Marble Hill House, a Paladian villa in St Margarets, near Richmond, South London, was built by Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffolk in 1724-29 as a retreat from Court. The new interpretation gives visitors a playful insight into Henrietta’s life and her social circle. Having gained a Round 1 NHLF pass, we developed the project securing a Round 2 bid, seeing it through to completion in 2022.

The visitor journey starts in an introductory room, where we commissioned illustrator Jill Calder to create a visual style that became large scale wallpapers and a set of characters used in graphics within a newly-commissioned film that introduces Henrietta Howard. On the surrounding walls, a series of miniature recreations of Henrietta’s previous residencies plot out her turbulent life prior to Marble Hill. 

Within each room bespoke interpretative furniture draws on the original Georgian style of the house. Using ethically-sourced mahogany, each table carried an engraved quote and supported objects, graphics and activities such as a card table, a writing desk and a dressing table. An interactive hearing trumpet allows visitors to pick it up and hear stories of Henrietta’s deafness. 

Outside in the garden, we provided a set of scenic frames illustrating different aspects of Henrietta’s life; an interactive beehive and a mobile gardener’s cart. The cart opens up to provide internal storage for nine-pin bowls and rackets as well as a large cut-out gardener and a series of pull-up menu cards.

In developing the exhibition, we collaborated with:
Studio Eger: Graphic Design
Jill Calder: Illustration
Simolab: AV
Scena: Build & Install
DHA: Lighting

Related links:
Marble Hill House

Photos: English Heritage and Studio Eger