Recreating a Vignette

Civil War encampment

Civil War encampment exhibit, Civil War Museum, Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pa. Harpers Ferry Center plans and produces furnishings vignettes within the context of exhibits. This example combines photomurals and objects within a large exhibit case.

Recreating a vignette is very much like producing a historically furnished room. A furnished vignette is particularly appropriate in two cases:

• you have a photograph of one part of a room but have little or no idea what was elsewhere in the room;
• you would like to include a furnished area in a room that primarily holds exhibits in cases.

Although it is usually best to base a furnishings installation on a formally written plan, if you have an excellent historic photograph you may be able to use an abbreviated plan that consists of a list of objects seen in the photograph, their location, and the intended source (e.g., park collection, reproduction). A complete list including any carpeting, wallpaper, or window treatment needs is necessary to proceed to the production phase.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Furnishings »

RELATED LINKS:

Frequently Asked Questions »

Hire Harpers Ferry Center »