Creating a thriving community hub within this internationally significant site...

Mather & Co worked with Historic England and leading architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios on the regeneration of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings into a new hub for the local community; a place where people can work, play, learn and live.

This was not going to be a traditional heritage museum project, but a ‘factory of ideas’ designed to communicate the story of the site’s incredible 200-year history to new audiences, who may have never connected with heritage before.

The exhibition is exploratory but split into five general themes: 'Town and Transformation’, which focuses on the development of the site and how it has influenced, transformed and helped develop the town of Shrewsbury over time; 'Engineering and Build', which focuses on how Charles Bage designed this ‘fireproof textile mill’ through experimentation and innovation; ‘People and Process’, which tells of the men, women and children at the flax mill who suffered the harsh working conditions of this early industrial factory, and the experiences and memories of the maltsters and their families after the later conversion into a maltings; 'Adaptation and Change’ explaining how the site has changed to fit with the various uses; and ‘Legacy and Impact’ which details the final transformation and future legacy of the site for local people, businesses and visitors alike.

Visitors are invited to think about the more challenging histories in the interpretation and even vote on particular questions about the site’s connection to Empire, working conditions, climate change, technology, pay, and labour.

Gretna Green is renowned as the home of runaway marriages, and now visitors can step into the world’s greatest love story at the Gretna Green Experience!

Mather & Co is responsible for all design, management and production of the exhibition and retail area – including repairs to and restoration of the original Famous Blacksmiths Shop.

The Gretna Green Experience showcases the extraordinary love stories of those who wed at Gretna Green. Visitors enter the pages and illustrations of a storybook and watch as it unravels and tells the incredible history of the Famous Blacksmiths Shop. A beautiful, engaging timeline showcases the iconic history of marriage at Gretna Green – dating back to 1200.

In addition to the brand-new experience, visitors will be able to have a wander around the historic rooms of the original Famous Blacksmiths Shop – when weddings aren’t taking place of course.

The Experience allows visitors to get up close to original objects including marriage registers, furniture, and the wedding dress of Dorothy Bell (grandmother of the owner). In the centre of the experience, visitors are immersed in a 360-degree audio-visual film, ‘The Unbreakable Bond’, that brings the history of the site to life around the original anvil.

We have worked closely with the All England Lawn Tennis Club for over 15 years to bring world-class visitor experiences to the Wimbledon stadium site. From an immersive museum and tour experience, to designing Debentures and bespoke photo opportunities, we have helped to bring incredible engagement to the site both during and outside of the Championships.

The museum combines unparalleled tennis collections with state-of-the-art exhibition displays and audio-visual presentations. We want visitors to feel like they are at the Championships – using object displays, interactive games and engaging films to immerse people in the energy of the event.

‘The Open Era’ gallery consists five different themes including – Broadcasting Wimbledon, A Year in the Life of a player, Behind the Scenes in the Dressing Rooms, The Rivalries Immersive Show and The Fame Game - with the main overall theme based around rivalries between players.

We have also worked with the All England Tennis Club to theme and brand their Centre Court Debenture facilities and external landscape with graphics, themed object displays and artistic sculptural installations.

Mather & Co is a leading design consultancy, specialising in museum, leisure, retail, and entertainment experiences. Established over 25 years ago, the multidisciplinary consultancy is based in Cheshire, England. Their work portfolio includes Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, Gretna Green Experience, Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, R&A World Golf Museum, Silverstone Interactive Museum, The Olympic Museum, Coronation Street: The Tour, Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, and The Royal Mint Experience.

Grant Leisure is a global leader in the strategic planning and implementation of visitor attractions and resort destinations. Grant Leisure was founded on a vision for superior design and operation – striving for their projects to stay ahead of the industry curve by leaving lasting impressions that exceed expectations.

Andy Grant, CEO at Grant Leisure, met Chris Mather, CEO at Mather & Co, when they were both working on the Granada Studios Tour – now thirty years later, they have worked on several leading attractions projects together.

Chris Mather said: “I have been working with Grant Leisure for over 30 years and can personally testify to their unparalleled track record in translating creative concepts into feasible and profitable projects. They are our go-to resource when our projects and clients need a dose of reality.”

Both companies have worked on various proposals and completed attractions across the world, including Downton Abbey: The Exhibition and The Rosebowl Stadium Experience.

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition

Mather & Co and Grant Leisure worked with NBCUniversal and Emmy-winning writer Julian Fellowes to create a Downton Abbey exhibition for the internationally acclaimed TV programme Downton Abbey. The exhibition was designed to appeal to fans of the show and has toured across the world, including Singapore, New York, Boston, and Chicago.

Mather & Co is responsible for the design of the exhibition and Grant Leisure were involved in the initial concept development of the project – conducting market research and operational feasibility. The exhibition was voted in the top 10 pop culture exhibitions in the world.

The Rosebowl Stadium Experience

Mather & Co worked with Grant Leisure, who conducted an economic feasibility study for the project, to develop a visitor attraction and stadium tour experience at California’s world-famous Rose Bowl Stadium.

The visitor attraction is located in a former locker room – used by legends such as Knute Rockne but only used between 1922 and 1928 – and now restored as a museum. The 1922 Locker Room focuses on more than just the sporting games, including displays about music concerts that have been held in the stadium.

Please contact Mather & Co www.matherandco.com or Grant Leisure www.grant-leisure.com if you have a project you would like to discuss.