SS GREAT BRITAIN - WARDIAN CASES

Project Overview

We were commissioned to design and construct a series of bespoke Wardian-style display cases as part of an interpretive exhibition aboard the historic SS Great Britain in Bristol. The goal was to create durable, visually authentic cases that reflected the ship’s Victorian heritage while meeting the practical requirements of a modern museum environment.

This project required a combination of heritage sensitivity, high-precision joinery, and close collaboration with the museum’s curatorial and conservation teams. The finished cases now serve as both functional display units and period-appropriate design features within one of the UK’s most important maritime heritage attractions.

Key Deliverables

Bespoke Timber-Framed Wardian Cases

We designed and built custom timber-framed display cases inspired by 19th-century Wardian cases — traditionally used for transporting botanical specimens. The structures were fabricated using traditional joinery techniques, adapted for modern durability and display needs.

Glass Panel Integration & Joinery Detailing

Each case incorporated individually fitted glass panels with heritage-style beading and fixings. All components were finished to match the visual tone of the ship’s existing woodwork and period interiors.

Protective Display Fit-Out

Interior spaces were fitted with protective elements to house delicate artefacts and displays. This included safe mounting points and removable sections for curatorial access.

Material Selection & Conservation Awareness

All materials were carefully chosen to meet conservation guidelines — low-VOC finishes, durable hardwoods, and moisture-stable adhesives — ensuring longevity and artifact safety in a controlled exhibition environment.