Classic Black is an exhibition organized by The Mint Museum, curated by Brian Gallagher and exhibition design by HannaH Crowell. The exhibition has a focus exclusively on the black basalt sculpture made by Josiah Wedgwood and other Staffordshire potters in late eighteenth-century England. The works of art on view include life-size portrait busts, statues, vases, and other fully three-dimensional, ornamental forms, as well as works in low relief, such as large plaques, portrait medallions, and medals. The exhibition design is a modern take on classical sculpture halls.
A full synopsis of the exhibition can be viewed here.
Local muralist for the exhibition - OWL
Classic Black Exhibition Graphics
The introductory gallery gives visitors a preview of what they will experience in the exhibition. The room features text panels that include information about object materials, artists biographies, and other helpful panels that bridge the gap of confusing labels and interpreting art.
A Classic Black lobby experience while visitors purchase their tickets for the museum. Graphic aids in both visual experience and wayfinding to the guest services desk.
Each gallery was named after showrooms within residential spaces that Wedgwood used to sell his objects.
Exterior gallery text panels featuring paint colors and local Charlotte muralist, Owl, artist statement.
Guest services desk wrap treatment to give a preview of the Classic Black special exhibition experience.
Mint Museum Randolph facade collaboration with Owl.