Underpinnings is a traveling exhibit developed for Museum Pros LLC. that explores the hidden history of Victorian-era undergarments. Through corsets, petticoats, and other foundation garments, the exhibit reveals how fashion, function, and social expectations shaped everyday life during the Victorian period.
Role: Graphic design
Research and information provided by Museum Pros LLC.
Exhibit Display Mockup
The Process
1.
Victorian Print Design Research
Through my research, I noticed patterns of intricate ornamentation and elaborate, often romantic typography. Victorian print design frequently uses decorative borders, botanical motifs, and visually dense compositions that create a sense of elegance. The overall aesthetic reflects the period’s strong attention to craftsmanship and decoration.
2.
Creating Graphic Details
I incorporated my research findings into the graphic elements used throughout the exhibit to evoke the visual language of the era.
The exhibit logo is set at a slight angle, inspired by the angled headers I noticed throughout Victorian articles and advertisements, and is framed with ornamentation and ornate character details.
The decorative borders and frames are intentionally simple so they do not draw attention away from the exhibit content, while still incorporating subtle botanical elements.
Muted, moody colors reinforce the romantic and formal character of the period, while typography, hierarchy, and contrast were carefully considered to ensure the design remains accessible and easy for all visitors to read.
3.
Incorporating Graphic Elements
The graphic elements are incorporated throughout the exhibit to create visual consistency and hierarchy. Decorative details, typography, borders, embellishments, and section breaks draw attention to key information without overwhelming the displays. Each element is intentionally placed to complement the artifacts and interpretive content.
