Attingham 2010: Atmospheric Pressure

So today was a quite interesting visit to Hardwick Hall, a 1590s retreat for the Countous Elizabeth Shroesbury while estranged from her forth husband, the Earl of Shroesbury. This was an interesting site with some of the best textiles in the world, including 16th century tapestries and embroideries; it also had something more -- atmospheric pressures.

The National Trust, the owner of Hardwick Hall, started in recent years an interpretive program of atmospheric design. What I mean by this is incorporating as many of the fie senses into the visit as possible. Such examples would be musi playing in the background that was relevant, touch objects where appropriate and understood, and different smells including such examples as those of cigars or coal and wood burning fireplaces. But, this also introduces time specific interpretations as in morning, afternoon, evening, or night.

The National Trust has had mixed results with this atmospheric interpretation program and it seems they may have had a heavy hand in initiating the program. As for Hardwick Hall, it did not really work, but I think this could work for the right place quite well. The key is to interpret a specific day and time. Do a lighting survey to figure out exactly where candles would have been places, if candles are appropriate for your time period. Don't have the smell of a fire if the day being interpreted is in the middle of the summer, and such other points.

Overall, I do think such a program can work quite well, but only for the right place. I am sure there are others who think otherwise. I see it as a way of doing first person interpretations without the person. Can you think of how it may work at Dumbarton House, or maybe Dumbarton house would not be a good fit - any suggestions?