Leighton House Museum Reopening
Iron + Glass commission to produce a film for the brand new entrance of Leighton House Museum
The 'new Leighton House' reopened to the public in October 2022 following the £8m Hidden Gem to National Treasure transformation, providing a richer visitor experience, with new spaces, restored historic interiors and improved facilities. We were tasked with making a short film for the brand new entrance.
The film captured the new fully refurbished new wing, which originated from the twentieth century additions to the original house, as well the the more famous treasures of the Museum. It also reveals historic features and presents additional exhibition spaces and displays.
A series of contemporary commissions are also on display, reflecting on the house’s unique dialogue with artists and craftsmanship from the Middle East and North Africa. Oneness, an 11-metre-high mural hand-painted by the Iranian artist Shahrzad Ghaffari, envelopes the curved walls of a new helical staircase and pays homage to the distinctive tiles from the iconic Arab Hall. Also inspired by the museum's collection and in partnership with UK charity Turquoise Mountain, a collective of Syrian craftsmen have created a suite of handmade furniture to decorate the new reception space, shop and café, featuring marquetry derived from inlaid motifs on a Syrian chest acquired by Leighton on his travels.