BRITISH MUSEUM: LEGION

EXHIBITION AV & SOUND DESIGN / AUDIO & AV CONSULTANCY / SOUNDSCAPES / IMMERSIVE FILM DESIGN / CGI / 3D MODELLING / ARTISTIC MOTION FX / NARRATION VO / PROJECTION AV SOFTWARE / SOUND BALANCING / INSTALL

LEGION 'LIFE IN THE ROMAN ARMY'

Acclaimed by The Telegraph as “among the most powerful exhibitions at The British Museum in memory”, ‘Legion’ opened on 1 February to widespread praise.

Collaborating with The British Museum and Drinkall Dean exhibition design, AY-PE created audio-visual experiences across the Sainsbury Galleries, delivering layers of artistic and atmospheric storytelling to explore life in the Roman Army.

Designing from early AV consultancy to onsite sign-off, we evolved a journey of ambient soundscaping through the Roman Empire, along with an abstract and evocative, 360 projection film of battle, and a scenic, motion watercolour backdrop to the gallery.

Client: The British Museum

Exhibition Design: Drinkall Dean

Hardware: Pixel Artworks

Header image and following three images - Credit photography: Edward Bishop

ATMOSPHERE

Legion isn't just about the might of Rome, but about the ordinary person, their route through the army and the many shades of humanity that were encountered along their way. We designed a bespoke series of soundscapes to carry the visitors’ sensations through the legionary Terentianus’ journey of soldiering for Rome. Avoiding pastiche and working with an open gallery, we created harmonious beds and subtle zones to bring life from settlement to training, retirement to war, all cohesively together. Additionally we produced six oral points which balance with the soundscapes, delivering readings of the Terentianus’, actual letters home.

DIGITAL ARTISTRY

Visually, AY-PE created two large-scale projection films, both of which needed to marry with the exhibition feel, textures and tones. Working with the stone, wood and charcoal of Drinkall Dean’s 3D design, the shadows and silhouettes of the 2D design by Matt Bigg Surface 3, and also the illustrative perimeter-wall, watercolour graphics of Rosey Taylor, we digitally crafted moving imagery to complement the gallery’s creative environment.

BATTLE

The Battle AV is a near-wraparound projection box area, immersing the audience in the sensations of battle. Working with British Museum curators to draw in elements from the central exhibits and the actual Roman vs Cataphract battles, we created a 4 minute sequence of shadow, charcoal and rust. Created from hand-drawings, 3D models, CGI and a myriad of textured effects, the abstract artistry of the piece engulfs the viewer as soldiers, horses and arrows meld in and out of the mass, brutal, darkness of battlefield war. An accompanying bespoke sound composition roots the visitor into the power and sorrow of battle.

FORT LIFE

As the legionary’s journey heads to the forts of Scotland and Northern England, we designed a gently transitioning textured watercolour CGI, evoking the landscapes, colours and weather of fort life around Hadrian’s Wall. A soundscape of settlement, family and calm supports this moment of stability in a soldier's life.