Use Hearing Protection – Science Industry Museum.

Use Hearing Protection, an exhibition about Manchester record label Factory Records’ early years (1978-1982), needed to tell the story of how their innovative work in music, technology and design gave the city an authentic voice and distinctive identity. The exhibition featured the first 50 Factory Records artifacts and stories of individuals who contributed before The Haçienda opened.

Working with creative director Ben Kelly (the influential designer behind The Haçienda’s iconic interiors), we designed a flexible exhibition system that immersed visitors in Factory Records’ world. We delivered project management, 2D and 3D exhibition design, designing displays that showcased artifacts through wall graphics, archival prints, immersive spatial design and interactive media.

The exhibition successfully celebrated Manchester’s place at the heart of Britain’s music and creative industries, connecting new audiences to Factory Records’ pivotal role in the city’s transformation from industrial powerhouse to beacon of art and culture.