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A portable display case
Timeline: 2 months
Client: National Mining Museum
Value: £2k
Aim: To build a portable display case with very specific requirements. The case should be able to move easily in and out of care homes by one person only. It should house a number of things during transport and then be able to open up and be used as a display case inside. In addition the case should look like a mining cart that is 'full' during transport with realistic coal. For its very specific purpose (to bring back memories of mining to patients with dementia) it must look very realistic.
What we did: Designing the working part of it was the first step and this was sketched so that the client could view see how it would work in all its different assembly combinations. We took care to ensure that the case was as small as it could be (for portability reasons) whilst also being robust and big enough to house the larger objects. The case was assembled and painted before fitting in the felt and finally fitting the plastic for the case. The final item works well, and with its hidden castors, it moves easily between venues.
Testimonial: "During 2010/2011 the National Mining Museum Scotland has been working on an exciting project designed to give better access to the collections held at the museum for our older mining community. We particularly focussed our work on those with Dementia and the use of reminiscence work by day care centres, care homes and carers. We have created a worthwhile and attractive resource for groups to borrow and use out in the community."
"Primarily based on a set of decade specific loan boxes, we wanted a small, attractive, mobile display case for use in tandem with the boxes. Working with Fifex over a few months we devised a chunky and appealing mobile case in the shape of a colliery coal hutch."
"Fifex were good to work with. They interpreted our vision well, took time to come into the museum and discuss both our needs for the new project and our existing fit-out. They were sensitive enough to create a piece of equipment that although new sits with our look. They worked well collaboratively, their problem solving was sound and they listened to our ideas and preferences. This project needed careful attention to detail in order to make the piece usable in the care home setting; height, size, stability, ease of use, colour scheme, materials, tactile quality and charm were all important factors. The finished piece covers all bases, is low tech, well constructed, easy to use and professionally finished. The created design can be adapted for other uses in the future."
"As a Fife based company, we were also impressed by Fifex's loyalty to local craftsmen. The work was done to budget and on time. We would consider commissioning work from them again"
Alison Shepherd, Education Support Officer