Driving our work is a strong understanding and awareness of why and how interpretation and learning can contribute to the management of sites and to the experience of those who visit them. We work with heritage organisations, local authorities, charities and community groups to develop creative and practical ideas that aim to widen visitor’s horizons and provide a sense of satisfaction in exchange for their time, money and effort.
What is heritage interpretation?
Heritage interpretation is a communication process, designed to reveal meanings and relationships of our cultural and natural heritage, to the public, through thought-provoking first-hand involvement with objects, artefacts, landscapes and sites.
[adapted from Interpretation Canada]
Interpretation therefore translates the technical language of experts into the informal ‘everyday’ language of visitors. It has an authoritative air, but goes beyond just providing information; it is revelation based upon any statement of fact. For the communication to be interpretative, it must improve visitors understanding and enjoyment through provoking interest, relating to their experience and revealing something new. The same communication processes are used to create powerful adverts for tv, radio, print.
What is an interpretation plan?
An interpretive plan provides the strategy to ensure that your site’s messages are truly connecting with, and being understood, by your audiences in the most cost-effective and powerful ways possible. It helps you identify themes effective media and services to deliver your messages, engage and inspire your visitors, and increase visitation and memberships.
John Veverka, internationally renowned heritage interpretation specialist
Interpretative master planning
The main goal of interpretive planning is to help focus on exactly why, what and to whom – given the budget, time and other resources – we want our interpretation to communicate, and then how, when and where this will implemented. The flow chart below illustrates our process. Everything is influenced by the managerial realities. Within these guidelines, our interpretive planning team undertake the process of developing the interpretation plan, drawing on your knowledge.
The amount of time required to produce an interpretive plan will vary from project to project but allow a minimum of 7 days. Get in touch to discuss further.
Interpretation appraisal service
Our Interpretation Appraisal service isn’t anything like a full interpretation plan, rather it provides you with specialist knowledge and points to consider before embarking on an interpretative project. A half day site visit where I can meet face-to-face and discuss your objectives, hopes and fears will be followed up with a concise report with detailed recommendations and outline costs for interpretation solutions appropriate for your site. It is more than just a quote and could save you thousands of pounds further down the line.
Allow 1.5 days work (excluding travel), with the appraisal delivered to you within 5 days of the site visit.