Human Natures is a touring exhibition that explores how humans shape the natural world. The show was commissioned by MAGNET, with support from Arts Council England and Art Fund. It was developed with five touring partners: Derby Museums, Manchester Museum, North East Museums, Norwich Castle, and Horniman Museum and Gardens.

I worked on the project from concept stage, through scheme and detailed design, right up to production and installation at the first venue, Derby Museum and Art Gallery. Through close collaboration with a team of five curators, and design partners The Liminal Space, I developed a story that draws upon the partner institutions’ diverse collections and regional heritage, while leaving space to shine a light on local changemakers.

The exhibition had a modest budget, and lots of practical constraints to negotiate, to enable it to tour the country with a minimal environmental footprint. Above all, however, it had to be fun and engaging for family audiences. Playful, off-beat exhibits explore our relationship with nature through the lenses of cats, chickens, socks, loo roll, landfill, fur, and more besides.